India, April 22 -- Women play a central role in agrifood systems across sub-Saharan Africa, and their contributions present a major economic opportunity. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), closing gender gaps in this sector could increase $53 billion in economic value, while boosting productivity, incomes, and regional growth.

The report, "The status of women in agrifood systems in sub-Saharan Africa" highlights that 76 per cent of working women in sub-Saharan Africa are employed in agrifood systems - the largest share worldwide.

Their participation is especially strong in off-farm activities such as processing, packaging, and distribution, where their share has grown from 21 per cent in 2005 to...