Africa: Increasing women's role in food security

Women play a key role in securing food throughout Africa, yet local customs and legal institutions often discriminate against women, denying them access to land, resources, education and public services. Healthcare is also an issue, particularly HIV/AIDS. Women have to care for themselves and for sick relatives, leaving less time to find or produce food. Research shows that increasing the rights of women also increases food productivity, but the gap between men and women still exists in many countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.