WFF Türkiye Youth Chapter engages in community dialogue on women farmers and rural development

On 11 March 2026, the World Food Forum (WFF) Türkiye Youth Chapter took part in the “Women farmers meeting for a sustainable future”. The event brought together over 50 participants, including women farmers, academic experts, representatives of local institutions and community members. Organized in collaboration with the European Union Information Centre and the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution, the meeting provided a platform for dialogue on the role of women in sustainable agriculture and rural development.

The event opened with welcoming remarks, followed by a keynote presentation by Yaşar Uysal from Dokuz Eylül University. His presentation addressed how economic, environmental and technological changes are shaping agrifood systems and emphasized the increasing role of women farmers in adapting to these changes.

The event featured an interactive session with women farmers who benefited from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development support programme shared their experiences. They discussed how funding and technical support enabled them to modernize production, diversify activities and improve access to markets. The session created space for peer learning and exchange among participants.

A product exhibition allowed participants to engage with locally produced goods and connect directly with producers, fostering networking among farmers,  institutions and local stakeholders. The event concluded with a community dinner, providing an informal setting for continued dialogue.

One of the key outcomes of the event was increased awareness of rural development funding opportunities and sustainable agricultural practices. The meeting also strengthened connections between women farmers, institutions and local stakeholders. Participants highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge exchange to support inclusive rural development.

Through its participation, the Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive agrifood systems, with a focus on women’s participation. By fostering knowledge sharing, strengthening partnerships and encouraging access to rural development support, the Chapter aims to enhance the role of women farmers in sustainable agriculture. Through continued engagement with local institutions and partners, the Chapter will work to ensure that women’s perspectives remain reflected in ongoing efforts towards more resilient and inclusive agrifood systems.