As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, young women are encountering distinct challenges that impede their full participation and success in the farming industry. During the inaugural National Youth in Agriculture Symposium, Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna underscored the importance of tackling these obstacles to ensure that no one is overlooked in shaping the nation’s agricultural future.
While agriculture holds tremendous potential for innovation and entrepreneurship among youth, young women face heightened challenges compared to their male peers. Minister Tunabuna pointed out that access to land ownership, financial resources, and institutional support is often limited for many female farmers, which contributes to a significant disparity in equitable participation.
“More than 27,000 young people are engaged in farming, however we acknowledge that young women still face greater barriers in accessing land, finance, and support,” Tunabuna remarked in his keynote address, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways aims to promote gender inclusivity across its policies and programs. This year’s symposium reinforced this commitment by focusing on creating supportive environments where young women can hone their agribusiness skills, engage with innovative and climate-resilient farming practices, and connect with vital stakeholders in the industry.
A range of development partners, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies at the symposium expressed their collective resolve to collaborate in providing mentorship, diverse financing options, and tailored training designed to empower young women in agriculture.
Breaking through these barriers is not only crucial for fairness but also for the broader agricultural development of Fiji. Empowered women greatly enhance household food security, economic growth, and community resilience, positioning gender equity as a vital component of sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship.
Participants at the symposium stressed the necessity of ongoing investment in youth-focused initiatives that emphasize the inclusion and leadership of female farmers. Highlighting the Ministry’s dedicated policies for youth in agriculture, they expressed optimism that these measures will serve as key drivers for significant positive change in the agricultural landscape.
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