Agricultural biotechnology has transcended conventional agricultural policies over the past four decades, laying the groundwork for novel forms of power in international relations. This study analyzes the strategic role of agricultural biotechnology in contemporary foreign policy through the concept of agro-biological power, presenting a theoretical and analytical framework to reveal the transformative impact of biotechnology on international relations. Agro-biological power refers to the capacity of a state to create dependency relationships, set agendas, and export norms in the international arena through its agricultural biotechnology capacity, control over seed systems, authority to determine intellectual property regulations, and power to direct food supply chains. The central problematic of the research is to explain how and under what conditions agricultural biotechnology capacities enable states to generate effective agro-biological power in foreign policy. The research is designed as an analytical opinion article and conducted using qualitative methods. Official documents of international organizations, policy reports, and academic literature were systematically examined, and comparative analysis was performed through case studies of the United States, the People's Republic of China, and the European Union. The findings reveal that agro-biological power operates through four fundamental mechanisms: infrastructural dependency, normative hegemony, epistemic control, and crisis diplomacy. The impact of digitalization on agricultural biotechnology demonstrates that algorithmic decision support systems increase the effect of agro-biological power by making it invisible. The theoretical contribution of the study lies in developing the concept of agro-biological power by synthesizing biopolitics, power theories, and global governance literature, and conceptualizing agricultural biotechnology as a central component of international relations. At the policy level, it is recommended that developing countries strengthen their biotechnological autonomy and democratize global governance mechanisms.

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy, serving as a major source of livelihood, employment, and food security for the rural population. Women constitute a substantial portion of the agricultural labour force; however, their participation in farming activities remains limited due to various socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional barriers. Understanding the factors influencing women’s engagement in agriculture is therefore crucial in formulating policies and interventions that promote gender equity and enhance productivity in rural areas. This study analyzed the determinants of women’s participation in farming activities in Bomachoge Chache Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study specifically sought to identify key economic, social, and institutional factors influencing women’s participation in farming. A multistage random sampling method was employed to select 215 respondents, comprising 140 women participants and 75 non-participants. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary sources using structured and semi-structured interview schedules, complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Binary probit analysis was used to determine the significant economic determinants influencing women’s participation in farming. Out of the twelve explanatory variables included in the model, farming experience, access to credit, farm size, extension visits, land tenure rights, distance from the nearest market, and hired labour costs per man-day were found to have a significant relationship with women’s level of participation in farming activities. The study concludes that improving access to credit facilities, strengthening agricultural extension services, enhancing women’s land ownership rights, and reducing barriers to market access could substantially increase women’s participation in farming. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to promote inclusive agricultural growth and gender equality in rural Kenya.