PERSPECTIVES & THINKING
Thoughts and Questions
Dr. Kamau-Rutenberg writes and speaks at the intersection of African development, scientific leadership, institutional design, and gender equity. Her thinking is grounded in two decades of practice — building systems, leading organizations, and sitting at tables where the decisions are made.
Below you'll find her published essays, field dispatches, media appearances, and personal reflections — organized for browsing by those who want to understand not just what she's done, but how she thinks.
In the Field
Dispatches from active work across Africa's scientific and agricultural ecosystems
In the News
Media coverage, interviews, and expert commentary in global publications
In Real Life
Personal reflections on leadership, identity, and life at the frontier of change
Wanjiru & Friends: A Virtual Fireside Chat
A reflective space for values-driven conversations with some of my favorite people about life lessons, pivots and purpose.
In her words
Research, speaking engagements, and on-the-ground initiatives:
In the news
Media coverage and interviews:
In real life
A glimpse into the practices that fuel me:
ISMAHANE ELOUAFI · EXECUTIVE MANAGING DIRECTOR, CGIAR
“At CGIAR, our mission is to transform food, land, and water systems at a time of unprecedented global pressure. Doing so requires leaders who bring together scientific rigor with a deep commitment to equity—recognizing that the question of who benefits must be central to how we design solutions.
Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg has long been a thoughtful and influential voice advancing this perspective across the global food systems community. Through her work, she has consistently highlighted the importance of linking science, institutions, and policy with the lived realities of farmers and communities—particularly women, who remain the backbone of food systems in many parts of the world.
This ability to bridge disciplines and perspectives is exactly what our sector needs to drive meaningful and lasting change.”