Kenya | Gender-responsive ag research for development

2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers: Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg

Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg is recognized for her transformative leadership at the intersection of food systems, gender equity and institutional change across Africa. As Managing Director for Africa at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, she leads one of the continent’s leading research-for-development organizations, advancing climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversity conservation and inclusive food systems. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to ensuring agricultural innovation is both scientifically rigorous and socially inclusive. As former Director of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, she championed gender-responsive research and built a network of women leaders who continue to shape Africa’s food systems. Through founding Akili Dada and leading multiple initiatives, she has expanded opportunities for underrepresented talent and strengthened pathways for leadership development across sectors. Her work bridges research, policy, philanthropy and grassroots empowerment, positioning agriculture as a powerful catalyst for equity, economic transformation and long-term resilience across the continent.