For our March episode of International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are putting the spotlight on the Asian Farmers Association for sustainable rural development, an organisation empowering more than 12 million small scale women and men farmers across Asia in 16 countries.
We are highlighting the inspiring work of one of FFORA’s core partners, in advancing the rights, leadership, and livelihoods of women farmers across Asia.
As Esther Penunia, part of our Co-creation group puts it – “Studies have always shown that women farmers devote their incomes to the family’s health, education, well-being. Helping women farmers help not only in food security, but also health, education and social security.”
Across the region, women are at the heart of agriculture—yet they often face barriers in accessing land, markets, resources, and decision-making spaces. AFA is working to change this specifically by strengthening women-led cooperatives and enterprises, creating pathways for economic empowerment and collective voice.
Through several initiatives, AFA is supporting women farmers in:
– Building and leading agricultural cooperatives
– Creating value-added products—from seeds to processed foods
– Gaining stronger access to markets and income opportunities
– Transforming not only their farms, but their families and communities
This work shows that inclusive cooperatives are key to overcoming systemic challenges—enabling women farmers to organize, innovate, and thrive.
As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, let’s recognize that investing in women farmers is not just about equality—it’s about strengthening food systems, rural economies, and sustainable futures for all.
All the work of the Asian Farmers Association to support women farmers can be found here
