By Haddy Touray
Gambian rice farmer and agricultural entrepreneur Awa Jagne has been named among the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development for 2026.
Jagne, from Boiram in the Central River Region of The Gambia, received the recognition from FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu during a ceremony held at the organisation’s headquarters in Rome, Italy, on Oct. 15.
The event formed part of activities marking the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, which celebrates the contributions of women to agriculture, food security and rural development.
FAO selected the 100 honourees from 609 nominations submitted by 131 member countries. Jagne was among five women recognised from West Africa and 22 from Africa.
Born in 1976 and raised in a rice-growing community, Jagne has spent nearly two decades building an agricultural enterprise encompassing rice cultivation, certified seed production, produce aggregation, food processing and livestock farming.
Her work as a seed producer for FAO and a produce aggregator for the World Food Programme (WFP) has provided her with experience across the agricultural value chain, connecting farmers and production to markets.
Her selection recognises her entrepreneurial efforts and contribution to agricultural development, while drawing international attention to the role of Gambian women in sustaining food production, strengthening local food systems and creating economic opportunities in rural communities.
The Gambian government welcomed the recognition, describing it as an honour for the country and its women farmers.
“Awa Jagne’s achievement is a proud moment for The Gambia. It recognises women farmers’ contributions to food and nutrition security and to agricultural and rural development, reinforcing the need for continued support for women in agriculture,” said Musa Humma, director general of the Department of Agriculture.
Humma was speaking on behalf of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security Minister Demba Sabally.
Jagne described the recognition as an unexpected honour and dedicated it to Gambian women, particularly those working in agriculture.
“I never expected a farmer from The Gambia to be recognised among 100 women farmers worldwide. I hope this recognition motivates us to work harder, strengthen our agricultural enterprises, and continue contributing to food security and community development,” she said.
FAO Representative in The Gambia Shibu Rampedi also welcomed Jagne’s achievement, saying it highlighted the contribution of Gambian women farmers to agricultural development and deserved international recognition.
“Awa Jagne’s recognition highlights the contributions of Gambian women farmers internationally and shows that rural women’s dedication, enterprise, and hard work deserve global recognition,” Rampedi said.
She expressed hope that Jagne’s achievement would inspire more women, particularly young women, to view agriculture as a pathway to economic growth and prosperity.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2025 to recognise women farmers and highlight their contributions to food production and rural development.
Jagne’s inclusion among the 100 honorees places The Gambia among the countries represented in the global initiative and highlights the role of women entrepreneurs in advancing agricultural development and food and nutrition security.
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