In much of the world, the face of farming is female. Globally, reports the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the majority of economically active women in the least-developed countries work in agriculture.
And, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture (the latest data available), 30 percent of farmers in the U.S. are women. The problem? Gender-specific obstacles—such as lack of access to land, financing, markets, agricultural training and education, suitable working conditions, and equal treatment—put female farmers at a significant disadvantage before they ever plow a field or sow a seed.
Arguably, the biggest roadblock is land rights. In developing countries, only 10 to 20 percent of landholders are women, and in some parts of the world, women still cannot legally own or control land. When a female farmer isn’t empowered to make decisions about the land she works, it is impossible for her to enter contract farming agreements that could provide higher earnings and reliable sources of income.
Inherent gender bias in the economic system, for example, regularly limits a woman’s access to credit. That’s especially true for smallholder female farmers in developing countries where cultural norms and lack of collateral often prevent women from borrowing money. Without adequate funds for capital investments, female farmers are less likely than men to buy and use fertilizer, drought-resistant seeds, sustainable agricultural practices, and other advanced farming tools and techniques that increase crop yields.
Abolishing gender-specific barriers in farming, the FAO reports, would not only empower women to achieve their highest economic potential, it could help feed a hungry world. According to the FAO, most of the approximately 820 million people worldwide who are currently undernourished live in developing countries—the same places where women are key to food production. Giving females access to the same resources and education as males could increase food production by women by up to 30 percent, potentially eliminating hunger for 150 million people. In addition, the FAO asserts, earning extra income would enable women to spend more money on health care, nutrition, and education for their children—investments that could produce long-term, positive results for farm families and their neighbors.
Community Building and Networking
Remember you’re not doing this alone. Connect with other women in agriculture through local and online networks. Sharing experiences, knowledge and insights can foster a sense of community and provide valuable support. Consider joining or creating groups that focus on the unique challenges and triumphs of women in the industry.
Build Sustainability on the Farm and in Life
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important aspect of agriculture, women can lead the way in implementing eco-friendly practices on their farms. Explore sustainable home and farm options that work for your property, business and family.
This could be as simple as swapping out a few products to save money or be more environmentally friendly. Or looking at the honest demands on your time, and what could be dropped or delegated.
Don’t forget to prioritize your well-being as you plan the year ahead. The demands of agriculture can be physically and mentally taxing, so dedicate time for self-care. Explore strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance, whether through mindfulness practices, exercise routines or time management techniques.
Financial Planning and Diversification
Consider what has been working for your family and business, and what honestly hasn’t. Perhaps changes need to be made in regards to crops, livestock or value-added products to your operations.
Additionally, consider seeking professional financial advice to ensure your farm’s economic stability and growth. Many area Extension agents have a few free tools and resources for this.
Give Back to Your Community by Advocating for Women in Agriculture
Use your voice to advocate for gender equality in agriculture. Participate in industry events, conferences and online forums to share your experiences and insights. By promoting inclusivity, you contribute to a more diverse and vibrant agricultural community.
Harness Technology for Efficiency
In the new year, consider exploring the latest advancements in agricultural technology to enhance efficiency on your farm and in the house.
Whatever you need assistance with, there’s probably an app for that (Well, except for getting your husband to actually get the clothes in the hamper ... I haven’t found one for that yet!)
Educational Opportunities
Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in agriculture by pursuing educational opportunities. You can easily do this by listening to a podcast that focuses on your areas of interest or areas where you’d like to expand your knowledge. Lifelong learning is crucial for staying competitive and innovative in the industry.
As the new year unfolds, we as women in agriculture have the chance to cultivate resilience, embrace innovation, and lead positive change in our industry.
WOMEN’S INSIGHT DELIBERATION COMPETITION - PRESS RELEASE
In the six countries profiled, the report found that productivity on womens' farms is significantly lower per hectare compared to men, ranging from 13% in Uganda to 25% in Malawi. Even though women make up a large share of Africa’s farmers, they tend to be locked out of land ownership, access to credit and productive farm inputs like fertilizers, pesticides and farming tools, support from extension services, and access to markets and other factors essential to their productivity. The report also found that equal access to resources such as fertilizer, farm labour and training does not always translate into equal returns for women farmers.
Closing the gender gap could help reduce hunger and improve livelihoods for Africa’s growing population, which is expected to quadruple within the next 90 years. If women worldwide had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30% and raise total agricultural output by 2.5–4%. Gains in agricultural production alone could lift 100 to 150 million people out of hunger, according to a UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate.
Enabling women farmers to be more productive may also benefit Africa’s next generation--families in which women influence economic decisions allocate more income to food, health, education and children’s nutrition. Improving gender equality through agriculture could therefore translate into a generation of Africans who are better fed, better educated and better equipped to make productive contributions to their economies, within agriculture and beyond.
To narrow the gender gap, the report calls for African governments to address key policy areas which will help empower women farmers. These include the following:
- Strengthen women’s land rights
- Improve women’s access to hired labour
- Enhance women’s use of tools and equipment that reduce the amount of labour they need on the farm
- Provide community-based child care centres
- Encourage women to use more, higher quality fertilizer
- Increase women’s use of good quality seeds
- Tailor training to women’s needs and use social networks to spread agricultural knowledge
- Promote the cultivation of high-value and cash crops to women farmers
- Help women access and participate in markets
- Improve the education levels of women farmers
