Women still marginalized in East Africa’s agricultural bioeconomy

Persistent gender gaps and poor working conditions are undermining East Africa’s ability to build a sustainable bioeconomy, according to new research. The study, authored by Rocio Diaz-Chavez of the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, delivers a critical assessment of social risks tied to agriculture and the bioeconomy in the region.

The paper, titled “Socio-Economic Assessment of the Agriculture Sector and the Bioeconomy in East Africa—A Gender-Focused Approach,” was published in Agriculture in 2025. It evaluates how inequality, low wages, and systemic discrimination threaten the inclusive growth agenda across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda - countries that are signatories of the East Africa Regional Bioeconomy Strategy.

Why is gender inequality a barrier to the bioeconomy?

The research finds that women remain consistently disadvantaged across East Africa’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the regional bioeconomy. Despite gradual progress in gender parity scores in some countries, women continue to face systemic obstacles in land ownership, access to finance, agricultural inputs, and decision-making roles.

Kenya was identified as facing the highest risks across gender equality indicators, reflecting persistent barriers to women’s empowerment. Rwanda performed relatively better, but even there, inequalities remain entrenched. The report stresses that the feminization of agriculture, where women increasingly shoulder farming responsibilities due to male migration, has not led to empowerment. Instead, women often bear the workload without receiving proportional benefits or decision-making power.

These dynamics, the study argues, are not just a social justice issue but a structural barrier to building a resilient and inclusive bioeconomy. Without targeted interventions to close gender gaps, women will remain marginalized in the very sector meant to lead East Africa’s sustainable development transition.

What do working conditions reveal about agricultural risks?

The study’s socio-economic risk assessment highlights stark realities about working conditions in East African agriculture. Across all five countries examined, large portions of the agricultural workforce live in poverty, earning less than USD 1.90 per day. Wages often fall below both minimum wage and living wage standards, exposing workers to chronic financial vulnerability.

Discrimination in workplaces was identified as a high risk in most countries, with women bearing the brunt of unequal treatment. Access to secure jobs, training opportunities, and fair pay is still limited for female workers in agribusiness, reinforcing cycles of exclusion.

Rwanda stood out as an exception, showing relatively lower risks for wages and workplace discrimination compared with its neighbors. However, the broader regional picture indicates deep structural weaknesses in labor systems that, if unaddressed, will undermine the social sustainability of the bioeconomy.

The study also stresses the lack of sex-disaggregated and sector-specific data as a significant challenge. Without reliable statistics on gender-specific participation, wages, and labor conditions, policymakers are unable to design interventions that adequately address inequalities. This data gap further complicates efforts to create inclusive agricultural and bioeconomy strategies.

What solutions can ensure an inclusive bioeconomy in East Africa?

Bioeconomy’s potential to drive sustainable development in East Africa will only be realized if gender inequality and poor working conditions are actively addressed. The author outlines several strategies to mitigate risks and ensure inclusion.

To begin with, the study recommends that women’s access to finance must be expanded through targeted programs, including credit lines, grants, and investment in women-led initiatives. Strengthening women’s education and skills training is also critical, ensuring they can compete equally in agricultural and bioeconomy value chains.

Second, the private sector has a role to play in promoting inclusive practices. By investing in women-led businesses, supporting equal pay policies, and embedding equity in corporate strategies, companies can help close structural gaps.

Next up, governments and development partners must prioritize the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data. Accurate information is essential for monitoring progress, evaluating interventions, and ensuring accountability.

Lastly, gender equity should be embedded into the design, implementation, and monitoring of bioeconomy strategies at both national and regional levels. Without these measures, the study warns, the bioeconomy risks reinforcing existing inequalities rather than breaking them down.