How women innovators in Asia-Pacific are transforming food security, nutrition and climate action
The Asia-Pacific region is a place of incredible diversity—rich in cultures, landscapes, and traditions. But it’s also one of the most vulnerable areas to the growing threats of climate change. From devastating floods and prolonged droughts to shifting growing seasons, the pressures on agriculture are mounting. For millions of people, this means food insecurity is becoming an ever-growing reality.
- MacKenzie King Impact Hub Network
Today, over 370 million people across the Asia-Pacific region are dealing with undernutrition, and the situation is worsening as climate disruptions threaten agricultural productivity. Now, more than ever, we need bold solutions—and women are leading the way.
The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award, powered by Impact Hub Network, recognises and supports women-led innovation driving sustainable innovation in nutrition, food security and climate resilience. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the inspiring enterprises in the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia whose groundbreaking work is shaping a more sustainable future.
FoodCycle: Redefining food waste as a resource
Food insecurity and waste are two sides of the same coin in Asia-Pacific. While millions suffer from hunger, millions of tons of food are discarded every year. It’s a staggering paradox. What if surplus food could be reclaimed as a resource— as a tool to fight hunger and protect the planet?
In Indonesia, Astrid Paramita is doing just that. Through her organisation, FoodCycle, Astrid is rescuing surplus food that would otherwise be discarded and redistributing it to those who need it most. To date, FoodCycle has saved over 800 tons of food, which provides nourishment to over thirty-thousand people every month. Uniquely, the food that is not viable for human consumption is used as food for black soldier fly larvae and the larvae are then used as a food source for urban fish farms – targeting food security on multiple levels.
Astrid’s approach is simple but powerful: solving hunger isn’t just about producing more food—it’s about using what we already have more efficiently. By bridging the gap between food surplus and food scarcity, FoodCycle is not only fighting hunger but also lowering greenhouse gas emissions, making it a model for how we can build a more sustainable and equitable food system.
AtoANI Agriventures: Precision agriculture for climate resilience
Farmers in Asia-Pacific are on the frontlines of climate change. With a growing population and seasons becoming more unpredictable, traditional agricultural practices can no longer secure the future of food. To adapt, farmers need new tools—real-time data and technology—that can help them make smarter, more informed decisions.
Maria Wilvenna Anora, founder of AtoANI Agriventures in the Philippines, is making that possible. With real-time data, AtoANI helps farmers align their crop production with market demand, ensuring they grow the right crops at the right time. This precision farming model has already reduced crop waste among its 209 partner farmers from 20% to just 0-5%, while also helping them transition from monocropping to more diversified and sustainable farming methods.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at farming. AtoANI also ensures a steady supply of high-quality, sustainably grown produce to both individuals and corporate clients. Data-driven agriculture systems are indeed powerful tools in the collective efforts to eliminate food waste and preserve the environment.
Eco-Uling: Transforming coconut waste into renewable energy
Energy demands are growing, hence the need for sustainable fuel alternatives has become increasingly urgent across Asia-Pacific and the world. Aya Fernandez is meeting this challenge head-on with Eco-Uling, her social enterprise in the Philippines, which transforms greenhouse gas producing coconut waste into eco-friendly charcoal to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat deforestation, and reduce harmful emissions and pollution from discarded coconut shells.
Eco-Uling’s flagship product—charcoal briquettes made from coconut shells—embodies a powerful commitment to both sustainability and quality. These briquettes burn for up to six hours, produce minimal smoke, and generate twice the heat of traditional wood charcoal. They offer a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative for both households and businesses.
Each ton of eco-charcoal produced saves an estimated 88 trees. Aya’s innovative solution also generates employment and promotes social inclusion by offering opportunities to over 250 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in partnership with the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Foundation.
In closing the loop between waste and energy, Eco-Uling contributes to a cleaner, greener future, while also addressing social equity and economic development—an inspiring example of how alternative green energy solutions can benefit both people and the planet.
Happy Ground: Revitalising soil health through regenerative agriculture
A third of the world’s soil is moderately to severely degraded, endangering the vital ecosystems that support biodiversity. Without healthy soil, our food security is at risk. Moh Suthasiny, founder of Happy Ground in Thailand, is addressing this challenge by using biochar—a carbon-rich material made from coconut biowaste—to restore soil health. Biochar improves soil fertility, water retention, and long-term agricultural resilience. By using biochar, farmers see improved yields while also gaining the opportunity to earn income through carbon credits.
Through their platform—Happy Grocers—farmers using regenerative practices, including biochar, are able to connect with eco-conscious consumers, creating a sustainable value chain that supports responsible farming practices. Happy Grocers has brought consumers close to their food, close to the stories of the farmers, providing education and empathy while providing farmers market opportunities to support their transition to organic farming. This approach builds a scaffolding of support, with innovative solutions that restore the health of the land while also providing customers with healthy, organic food.
The path forward: supporting women-led innovation for a sustainable future
As the Asia-Pacific region confronts the pressing issues of climate change and food insecurity, it is vital to recognise and support the leadership of women innovators. From precision farming and renewable energy to food waste solutions and regenerative agriculture, these women are rethinking sustainability and resilience for the region.
The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award is dedicated to accelerating this transformation by providing connections, funds, and visibility to women entrepreneurs who are making a difference. Join us in supporting the change-makers who are leading the way to a more resilient, sustainable future for all. Explore more of our stories!
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