The pursuit of gender equality in agrifood systems is essential for addressing hunger, boosting economic growth, and fostering sustainable development globally. Women play a vital role in agriculture, yet significant disparities persist, limiting their contributions and the overall effectiveness of agrifood systems. A recent research by FAO shows that closing the gender gap in agriculture could reduce global hunger rates, elevate millions out of poverty, and add approximately $1 trillion to the global GDP. This pursuit aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on poverty alleviation, food security, and gender equality.
Despite the recognition of women’s important roles in agriculture in 75 percent of agricultural policy documents from 68 developing countries, only 19 percent of these have actual policy goals related to gender. This highlights a significant gap between awareness and real action, showing the urgent need for focused efforts in this area.
Women in Agrifood Systems
Women are central to agrifood systems, playing critical roles in both agriculture and off-farm activities. However, they face numerous barriers, including structural inequalities and discriminatory social norms, which limit their potential and place them in vulnerable positions within the sector. These gender inequalities make women particularly susceptible to shocks and crises. If women were compensated equitably with their male counterparts, the benefits would extend beyond individual households to global economies, reducing hunger, increasing dietary diversity, and strengthening resilience.
Closing the gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap in agrifood employment could increase global GDP by 1 percent (approximately $1 trillion), leading to a 2 percent reduction in global food insecurity and decreasing the number of food-insecure individuals by 45 million.
Addressing Barriers: Insights from Recent Reports
The recent report, The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems, sheds light on the barriers women face in this sector, including significant wage disparities and unequal access to resources. Women make up 39 percent of the global agricultural labor force, yet they earn, on average, only 82 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. The report highlights a 24 percent productivity gap between female- and male-managed farms of the same size, and it emphasizes that women in wage employment in agriculture earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Addressing these inequities is crucial, as closing gender gaps in productivity and wages could lead to a 1 percent increase in global GDP and a substantial reduction in food insecurity, decreasing the number of food-insecure people by 45 million.
The Impact of Climate Change on Women in Agriculture
Climate change further intensifies these challenges, with recent findings indicating that a 1°C rise in temperature could decrease incomes for female-headed households by 34 percent. Additionally, women typically work an extra hour each day to adapt to climate-related challenges. This vulnerability highlights the need for targeted interventions that support women in agriculture while also addressing climate issues.
Read more: New Research Explores Rice Phytobiome for Sustainable Agriculture Amid Climate Change
Initiatives to Foster Gender Equality
Commit to Grow Equality (CGE): Launched by the FAO in 2023, CGE is a global framework designed to enhance gender equality in agrifood systems through strategic financing and partnerships. The initiative aims to articulate concrete actions via a Commitments Matrix, promoting transparency and collective action across sectors.
“Closing the gender gaps and empowering women and girls in agrifood systems would greatly improve economic growth, food security, access to healthy diets and resilience for women, their households and their communities, particularly in rural areas.”
International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026): Supported by the UN General Assembly, this initiative seeks to raise awareness and advocate for policies addressing the challenges women farmers face. It will provide a platform for driving meaningful change in agrifood systems.
India’s Gender Empowerment Initiatives: As of the 2011 Census, 65% of female workers in India are engaged in agriculture. Among the 118.7 million cultivators, 30.3% are women, and they make up 42.6% of the 144.3 million agricultural laborers. This represents an increase in female agricultural laborers from 21% in 2001 to 23% in 2011.
The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare implements various programs aimed at supporting women in agriculture. Key initiatives include:
- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (CIWA): Conducts research and programs to address challenges faced by women in agriculture. And offers financial assistance to farmer families, including women.
- Namo Drone Didi: A scheme to train 30,000 women from Self Help Groups in drone technology for agricultural services.
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Empowers rural women through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Allocates 30% of funds specifically for women farmers and provides training on improved agricultural technologies.
- National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): Earmarks 30% of its budget for women beneficiaries.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Offers training and financial assistance for women to acquire agricultural machinery, along with additional support for purchases.
- National Horticulture Mission: Organizes women into Self Help Groups, providing technological and extension support for self-reliance.
- ICAR’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Operates 645 centers offering training and technology demonstrations to improve crop production and farm income.
The Role of Technology in Empowering Women
Technology has the potential to be a game changer in closing the gender gap in agrifood systems. Access to digital tools can empower women by providing them with vital information, improving agricultural practices and facilitating market access. Innovations such as mobile apps for weather forecasting, pest management and market prices can significantly enhance women’s productivity and decision-making capabilities. Additionally, technology can support women entrepreneurs in agrifood supply chains through platforms that connect them with consumers and suppliers, allowing them to expand their businesses and increase their income.
Moreover, leveraging data analytics can help identify gender-specific challenges and opportunities within agricultural systems, guiding targeted interventions. As women often lack access to training and resources, digital platforms that offer online courses and resources can help bridge this gap, equipping women with the skills needed to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
Achieving gender equality in agrifood systems is essential not only for social justice but also for economic transformation and enhanced food security. By fostering investments, partnerships, and gender-transformative policies, stakeholders can create inclusive and sustainable systems that benefit all. The FAO emphasizes the importance of quality financing to support these efforts.