OCP highlights role of women farmers during UN agriculture talks
African women produce much of the continent’s food, yet many still lack land, finance, and market access.
MOROCCO – OCP Group drew attention to the role of women farmers in Africa during a high level meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Morocco organized the discussion on the sidelines of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Officials, development groups, and industry leaders met to discuss food security and farming across Africa.
Hajar Alafifi, CEO of OCP Africa, said the company continues to expand programs that support farmers across the continent. She noted that the initiatives now run in more than 40 countries and support over four million smallholder farmers.
“Women play a central role in Africa’s food production. When we invest in women farmers through training, inputs, and access to resources, we help entire communities improve food production and livelihoods,” Alafifi said.
OCP Group produces phosphate based fertilizers and plant nutrition products. Through its subsidiary OCP Africa, the company works with farmers to improve soil health and crop output.
The company also works with governments, banks, and global partners such as the World Bank. These partnerships help farmers access farm inputs and strengthen local production capacity.
Alafifi said farmers across Africa face soil degradation, climate pressure, and limited access to farm inputs. She explained that better soil management and farmer training can help address these issues.
“Our work focuses on practical support for farmers. Training, soil testing, and access to fertilizers help farmers improve yields while protecting their land,” she said.
Women at the center of food systems
Participants at the meeting said women produce up to 70 percent of the food consumed in Africa. However, many women farmers still face barriers such as limited land ownership and restricted access to credit and markets.
Speakers stressed that stronger investment in women farmers will help increase food supply and strengthen food systems across the continent.
Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, chaired the wider discussion. He called for stronger cooperation between governments, companies, and international groups.
“Africa’s agriculture sector needs stronger partnerships and sustained investment. Cooperation between public and private actors will help address climate risks, soil degradation, and food security challenges,” Hilale said.
Participants closed the meeting by calling for continued investment in farmers, improved access to agricultural resources, and closer cooperation across sectors to support food production across Africa.
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