December 5, 2024
AKIS in action: “Strengthening AKIS through women-led innovation”
The AKIS in action event, organized jointly by modernAKIS and FLIARA (Female-led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas), aimed to highlight the vital role of women in agriculture and rural development. Women are essential drivers of sustainability in agriculture, and the event focused on their contributions and innovations within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). It also emphasized the importance of supporting women in rural areas at all levels.
Natalia Brzezina, Policy Officer from DG AGRI’s Research and Innovation Unit, pointed out that women make up more than 50% of the workforce in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas, driving both economic growth and sustainable development. The EU supports them through initiatives like Horizon Europe and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with over €1.1 billion invested in local innovation projects under the previous CAP, many of which led by women. Gender equality is a key priority, with measures such as mandatory gender integration in Horizon Europe projects and efforts to ensure women are well- represented in research and decision-making. The EU also works to tackle challenges like limited access to finance and societal stereotypes, while promoting mentorship and career opportunities for young women in agriculture.
The FLIARA project, presented by Maura Farrell from the University of Galway and Victor Martinez from Spain, focuses on female-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas. Launched in January 2023, it brings together 15 EU partners across 10 countries to empower women involved in agricultural and rural entrepreneurship, particularly those in innovative, sustainable practices. The project also addresses policy design, noting that certain CAP measures in countries like Ireland and Spain such as increased grants for women in modernization schemes, need further improvement to ensure inclusivity.
Austria has developed an educational training program for female decision-makers and system change advocates. This initiative, introduced through the ZAMm unterwegs (Together on the Way) project, aims to empower women in rural Austria by providing training and networking opportunities to help them take on more leadership roles. Michaela Glatzl from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture introduced this program, highlighting its potential to increase women’s involvement in decision-making. Women run about 35 % of farms in Austria but remain underrepresented in agricultural policy decisions. The ZAMm-unterwegs project tackles challenges such as gender norms and limited access to resources, and the “brain drain” of young women moving to cities for better opportunities.
During the event’s Q&A session, participants discussed several important topics, including the role of women’s organizations in providing support beyond financial assistance, as shown by the Austrian model. Networking and strategies for helping women stay in rural areas were emphasised as essential for further empowerment.
For additional insights into the event, feel free to click on the links below for the videos and presentations:
