19 February 2025
Women are central to agriculture in South America, driving food production, biodiversity conservation, and rural development. Yet, despite their essential role, many women face systemic barriers that hinder their full participation and economic advancement. Let’s explore the challenges they encounter, such as land access, financial inclusion, and technological gaps, while also celebrating the initiatives that empower them to lead and innovate in the agricultural sector.
The role of women in South American agriculture
Women in South America play a key role in maintaining food security, combating climate change, and strengthening rural economies. According to Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, María Emilia Undurraga, women "contribute significantly to the local economy, promote poverty eradication, tackle climate change, ensure education and food for their families, and strengthen the social fabric," however, many rural women continue to face significant barriers.
Gender disparities in land ownership and income
One of the most pressing issues in South America is the gender gap in land ownership. While rural women are responsible for a significant share of food production, “[o]nly 30% own agricultural land and [when they do, it is] smaller in size and of poorer quality," explained Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Manuel Otero. “Moreover, rural women earn only half of what urban women earn and a third of what their male counterparts earn.”
Another challenge is the increasing "feminization" of agriculture. This term has been used to describe the growing number of women taking on agricultural roles as men migrate to urban areas for work.
However, recent research suggests that the feminization of agriculture is more complex than a shift in labor roles. A study in the Journal for Rural Studies titled “Beyond the ‘Feminization of Agriculture’” emphasizes that male out-migration not only reshapes rural communities, but also transforms gender dynamics in agriculture.
Beyond just agricultural productivity and decision-making, gender norms and power dynamics influence women’s access to resources, their role within households, and their participation in communal spaces. As women take on greater responsibilities, they must navigate traditional labor expectations alongside new opportunities for leadership and economic independence. Addressing these complexities requires an intersectional gender analysis that moves beyond simplified narratives.
The experiences of women in agriculture vary significantly across South America. Countries that have implemented progressive policies and gender-sensitive land reforms have seen improvements in women’s agricultural participation and leadership.
Some examples of laws and policies include:
However, while some laws have been passed and new ones are proposed, systemic barriers persist in many areas, making it difficult for women to gain equal footing in the agricultural economy.
For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing gender inequalities. With lockdowns and movement restrictions in place, rural women faced increased risks of gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and limited access to markets and resources. These challenges have highlighted the urgent need for more policies that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of women in agriculture.
Expanding financial access
Despite these challenges, numerous initiatives are working to empower women in agriculture across South America. These efforts focus on increasing women’s access to land, financial resources, and education while promoting gender equality in rural communities.
For example, various microfinance programs in Latin America have been established to provide women with small loans, enabling them to invest in better farming techniques, purchase high-quality seeds, and expand their agricultural businesses.
One such program is the Asociación de Cooperativas Argentinas (ACA). As described by FinDev Canada, “ACA offers a variety of capacity building and educational trainings on topics such as leadership, management, sustainability, and community engagement, specifically developed for women in the agriculture sector of Argentina.”
In 2023, the FAO, UN Women, and UNFPA launched a two-year plan to advance gender equality and empower rural women in Latin America and the Caribbean. The UN agencies’ action plan focuses on two priorities:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also play a critical role in advancing gender equality in agriculture. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) also emphasizes the need to empower women farmers, ensuring they have equal access to land, technology, and financial services. By aligning with these goals, governments and organizations can work towards a more inclusive and equitable agricultural landscape.
Empowering women in South American agriculture is key to food security, economic growth, and a more equitable future. While progress is underway, more action is needed. Governments, NGOs, and businesses must work together to ensure women farmers have the resources and opportunities to succeed.
As this series continues, we remain committed to amplifying their voices and advocating for greater recognition of their contributions.