11 November 2024
Empowering women in agriculture
We are excited to introduce our new blog series dedicated to highlighting the vital role of women in agriculture across various regions of the world. Through this series, we aim to shed light on the unique challenges and inspiring success stories of women farmers from different continents, highlighting their resilience, innovation, and contributions to safer and more responsible farming.
As a brand committed to promoting certified, responsible farming and transparency, this initiative aligns closely with what the GGN label stands for. By sharing these stories, we hope to promote greater awareness and support for gender equality in agriculture, fostering a more inclusive and equitable agricultural landscape globally.
Bridging the gender gap in Africa
Women are the backbone of agricultural economies across Africa. They are often not only the primary labor force on farms, but also play a pivotal role in household food security and community well-being. Despite their significant contributions, many women in Africa face systemic challenges that hinder their full participation and empowerment in the agricultural sector.
Challenges faced by African women in agriculture
The challenges African women in agriculture face are multifaceted and deeply rooted in socio-cultural, economic, and institutional factors. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women comprise nearly 50% of the agricultural labor force in sub-Saharan Africa. However, on the ground, the percentage is estimated to be much higher than what the reports show.
Regardless, access to critical resources such as land, credit, and agricultural inputs remains significantly lower than that of men. Our Key Account Manager and regional expert, Jennifer Mbuvi, attributes this to a variety of factors: “Women are mostly missing out in the governance structure where decisions for the organizations they represent are made. This is often due to discriminative requirements on eligibility for elections, as well as violent elections making it impossible for them to participate”.
Furthermore, as reported by the World Bank in their publication “Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook”, “the asymmetries in ownership of, access to, and control of livelihood assets (such as land, water, energy, credit, knowledge, and labor) negatively affect women’s food production. Women are less likely to own land and usually enjoy only use rights, mediated through a man relative.” The publication also goes on to cite the article “The Gender Asset Gap: What Do We Know and Why Does it Matter?” by Caren Diana Deere and Cheryl R. Doss (2006), which provided examples of land ownership disparities. For instance, it was indicated that “women held land in only 10% of Ghanaian households, while men held land in 16–23% in Ghana”, and women in Kenya make up “5% of registered landholders” in the country.
Women in many African countries are often excluded from land ownership due to customary laws and practices that favor male inheritance, as put by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This lack of secure land tenure limits their ability to invest in and improve their agricultural activities. Additionally, women's limited access to financial services, training, and technology further exacerbates their vulnerability and limits their productivity.
Regional disparities
The experiences of women in agriculture can vary significantly across different regions of Africa. In countries where progressive land reforms and gender-sensitive policies have been implemented, women have made notable strides in agricultural participation and leadership.
An example is that of Rwanda. In a country where 82% of women work in agriculture, the Land Tenure Regularization Program (LTRP), which was introduced in 2007, “set out to title every plot of land in the country to decrease gender inequality in access to land, optimize land use and economic growth through property ownership and security, and provide a clear institutional legal framework for land ownership. By 2013, approximately 99% of individually held land in the country had been registered.”
In contrast, women in countries with less supportive legal frameworks continue to struggle for recognition and equal opportunities.
Initiatives driving change and empowering women
Despite these challenges, numerous initiatives across Africa are making a tangible impact in empowering women in agriculture. Programs that provide women with access to land, finance, and training are essential in leveling the playing field.
For example, the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) supports projects that enhance women's agricultural productivity and economic independence. As stated on their website, they “are a Pan-African grant making organization that supports the realization and fulfilment of African women’s rights through funding of autonomous women’s organizations on the continent.”
In Kenya, the Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT) has been instrumental in providing women farmers with the financial services they need to expand their businesses. By offering loans and financial literacy training, KWFT helps women invest in better farming techniques, purchase quality seeds and fertilizers, and access larger markets for their produce. Jennifer Mbuvi states that, “In Kenya as well, the common mobile money service called MPESA has also allowed many women to have access to soft loans that they can borrow and repay as long as they are subscribed to the mobile telephone services. This service doesn't discriminate against any gender.”
Another inspiring example is the work of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). This initiative focuses on building the capacity of women agricultural scientists across Africa, ensuring that women are not only participants but also leaders and innovators in the agricultural sector.
The path forward: Inclusive policies and community resilience
Empowering women in African agriculture is essential for achieving sustainable development and food security. By addressing the systemic barriers that women face, we can unlock their potential and drive inclusive economic growth. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Inclusive policies and community-driven approaches are critical in creating a more equitable agricultural landscape. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders must collaborate to implement gender-sensitive policies that provide women with equal access to resources and opportunities.
Moreover, community-based initiatives that engage men and boys in promoting gender equality can help shift cultural norms and reduce gender-based discrimination. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, we can build more resilient and vibrant agricultural communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the empowerment of women in African agriculture is not only a matter of gender equality but also a crucial factor in fostering sustainable rural development. Through targeted support, inclusive policies, and community engagement, we can create a future where women have equal opportunities to thrive in the agricultural sector. By doing so, we contribute to more resilient and prosperous rural economies, benefiting all members of the community.