For centuries, agriculture has been seen as a male-dominated field, but this narrative is swiftly changing. Women are emerging as key players in the global agricultural landscape, driving food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
The Vital Role of Women in Agriculture
Women account for about 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, with this figure rising to as much as 70% in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They shoulder essential tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops. Additionally, they manage livestock care, food preservation, and small-scale farms. Despite these significant contributions, women in agriculture face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, training, and technology.
BreakingBarriers: Education and Training
Empowering women through education and training is crucial for enhancing their productivity and ensuring their equal participation in agriculture. Various programs and initiatives have been launched to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt modern farming practices, improve crop yields, and manage their farms more effectively.
For example, the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) In India, has trained over 50,000 women farmers, equipping them with modern farming techniques and facilitating access to credit and markets.
Similarly, the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program has been working to strengthen the research and leadership skills of African women scientists, ensuring they can contribute to the continent’s agricultural growth.
Spotlight on Influential Women in Agriculture
Dr. Vandana Shiva (India)
Dr. Vandana Shiva has tirelessly advocated for sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty in India, founding Navdanya, a national movement to protect indigenous seeds and promote organic farming. Her work has empowered countless women farmers in India to reclaim their rights over seeds and promote organic farming.
Wanjira Mathai (Kenya)
Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, continues her mother’s legacy through her work in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. As the chair of the Green Belt Movement, she has been instrumental in advocating for agroforestry and empowering women in rural Kenya to plant trees and grow food sustainably. Mathai’s work has not only improved food security but also addressed climate change and land degradation.
Leah Penniman (United States)
Leah Penniman is the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, an Afro-Indigenous centred community farm in New York. She is a leader in the food justice movement and has dedicated her life to ending racism in the food system. Penniman’s work focuses on training the next generation of Black and Brown farmers, promoting regenerative farming practices, and advocating for policies that support small-scale farmers of colour.
Fatou Batta (Burkina Faso)
Fatou Batta is a leading advocate for women’s rights in agriculture and a prominent figure in promoting sustainable agriculture in West Africa. As a key partner with Groundswell International, she has dedicated her efforts to empowering rural women through education, access to credit, and the adoption of ecological farming practices.
Batta’s work has significantly improved the lives of thousands of women farmers in Burkina Faso and beyond, helping them to increase their agricultural productivity and achieve greater financial independence.
Women’s Cooperatives: A Path to Economic Empowerment
Women’s cooperatives have become a powerful tool for economic empowerment in agriculture. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and collectively negotiating prices, these cooperatives allow women to overcome the barriers they face individually. Cooperatives also provide a platform for women to participate in decision-making and leadership roles.
In Kenya, the Kilimanjaro Women Coffee Growers Cooperative has transformed the lives of over 500 women, increasing their income by 40% and reinvesting profits into essential community projects like schools and healthcare.
The Future of Women in Agriculture
The future of agriculture, and indeed the sustainability of our planet, depends on the full inclusion of women. As global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and population growth intensify, women’s participation in agriculture will be pivotal in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
To make this a reality, organizations and governments must prioritize policies that promote gender equality in agriculture. This includes ensuring women have equal access to land and resources, providing tailored agricultural extension services, and creating environments where women can thrive as leaders and innovators.
Conclusion
Women are the backbone of agriculture, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. By breaking down the barriers they face and empowering them with the tools and opportunities they need, we can ensure that women continue to drive agricultural growth and development worldwide. The future of global food security depends on harnessing the full potential of women in agriculture.
Spotlight on Women in Agricultural Technology at AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024
At the upcoming AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024, the spotlight will shine on ‘Women in Agricultural Technology,’ where industry leaders will showcase their groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionizing the future of farming.
Women Leading the Charge in Agri-Tech
AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024 has curated an impressive lineup of women who are at the forefront of technological advancements in agriculture.
Meet some of the leaders who are pushing the boundaries in their respective fields and inspiring others through their commitment to innovation and sustainable practices:
Gilwoo Lee (South Korea) – CEO of Zordi
Nadine Benchaffai – Venture Builder Director at Dana Global
Dr. Hansa Shingrakhia (India) – Co-Founder of AgriGuru Online
Dr. Christina Timi Igono (Nigeria) – Founder and CEO of Eight Orbit Urban Farms
The “Women in Agricultural Technology” session at AgriNext 2024 is a testament to the growing influence of women in the agri-tech sector. As Gilwoo Lee, Nadine Benchaffi, and other trailblazers take the stage, they will not only share their groundbreaking work but also pave the way for a future where agriculture is more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.
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