The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) participated in the 2025 CGIAR Gender Research Conference, held from 7–9 October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, as the regional coordinating body of the World Bank–supported Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP).
Hosted by the CGIAR International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and convened under the theme “Accelerating Equality in Food, Land, and Water Systems: Driving Solutions through Evidence and Learning,” the conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and development partners from across the world to share insights and strategies for advancing gender equality in agriculture and natural resource management.
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The event came at a pivotal time as the global community enters the final five years of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite notable progress, gender equality (SDG 5) remains one of the most challenging goals to achieve, yet it is central to the success of the broader sustainable development agenda. For CCARDESA, participation in this biennial conference provided a valuable opportunity for learning, reflection, and experience exchange with global and regional stakeholders engaged in gender-responsive research and development. Discussions centered on how gender and social inclusion are fundamental to transforming food, land, and water systems — especially amid escalating climate challenges and socio-economic inequalities.
The conference also created space for the FSRP to engage in meaningful dialogue on gender and social inclusion in agri-food systems. Researchers and practitioners explored ways to strengthen gender integration in innovation, policy, and practice across Eastern and Southern Africa. The discussions built on earlier regional initiatives, including the June 2025 World Bank-led workshop in Johannesburg on “Building Gender-Smart and Climate-Resilient Innovation Pathways,” which underscored the importance of gender-responsive approaches in agricultural research for development (AR4D). The exchanges in Cape Town deepened this dialogue by connecting regional experiences to global gender research agendas and collaborative networks.
Over the three days, participants reflected on how gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also a driver of innovation, productivity, and resilience in agri-food systems. The conference underscored that investing in women and addressing structural inequalities can unlock solutions that benefit entire communities, strengthen adaptation to climate change, and accelerate progress toward sustainable and equitable food systems.
By taking part in this global dialogue, CCARDESA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening gender learning and mainstreaming across agricultural research and development under FSRP and other related programmes. The knowledge and insights gained from this engagement will inform ongoing regional efforts to ensure that gender and social inclusion remain central to building resilient and inclusive food systems across Southern Africa.
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