The Role of Women in Global Agriculture
Women’s contributions to the agricultural sector across the world is undeniably substantial. Although traditionally overlooked, their work in farming, crop cultivation, and livestock rearing has a significant impact on global economies and food security.
The Overlooked Women Farmers
It’s a regrettable fact that women farmers often find themselves overlooked and underestimated within the agricultural sphere, despite their significant contributions. Agricultural work involving livestock, crops, and farming significantly improves the economic and food security situations in many countries.
Highlighting Women’s Contributions
It is crucial to spotlight the substantial contributions made by women in the agricultural industry. Research from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations indicates that women compose about 43% of the global agricultural labor force. Further, in developing countries, women make up 20 to 30% of the total agricultural landholders.
Women’s Involvement in Livestock Farming
Women are heavily involved in livestock farming, which is a significant part of agricultural production. They play a vital role in rearing animals, which provides households with protein-rich food and additional income that help improve their livelihood.
Challenges Faced by Women in Agriculture
Despite the importance of women in the agricultural sector, they still face numerous challenges. These include lack of access to resources, limited training opportunities, and unbalanced distribution of workloads. It is, therefore, crucial to address these gender inequalities with policies geared toward gender equality in agriculture, ensuring that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Empowering Women in Agriculture: A Game Changer
Creating gender equality and empowering women in the agricultural sector could become a game changer for many societies. According to research, if women had similar access to productive resources as men, they could help increase agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5 to 4 percent. This could also significantly reduce the number of undernourished people by 12 to 17 percent.
Conclusion: A Call for Gender Equality in Agriculture
The role and contribution of women in the agricultural sector should not be underestimated. It is imperative that we recognize the work of women farmers, challenge gender inequalities, and empower women for increased productivity and food security worldwide. Policies should be made to ensure that gender equality is part part of the DNA of the agricultural industry, so as to make maximum use of the untapped resource that women present.
Source: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/women-and-agriculture-worldwide/