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While the large majority of subsistence farmers in Africa and much of Asia consists of women, men are still less affected by poverty, hunger, and diseases. A further examination of Africa's structural adjustment programs can provide a unique lens into the inequities female farmers face (specific to that of subsistence farmers). Specifically, the promotion of large-scale farming and commercial crop production has forced a shift in investments in subsistence farming; thus, creating an endless cycle, where female farmers--already limited in access to resources and unable to compete with rising prices for basic food products, commodities, etc.--remain at the subsistence level. At the same time, reduced government involvement in such areas as marketing and pricing for subsistence agriculture leaves subsistence farmers (particularly women) to fend for themselves.

The chart below successfully demonstrates the female share in the agricultural labor force, comparing figures from 1980 and 2010.

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While globalization and improved technological developments have facilitated a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, that shift DOES NOT affect women in the same way as men. As men move away from family farming, women tend to stay, lacking the means and resources. HOWEVER, commercial agriculture is opening new opportunities for women to undertake paid employment outside the family farm, particularly through participation in non-traditional export crop production as contract farmers or wage employees. Yet, the costs of migration are increasing--the weight falling disproportionately on women. Thus, women face more intense workloads and financial difficulties, in addition to limited room for advancement (e.g. managerial positions likely taken by men).

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While the backbone of the rural economy, women receive only a fraction of the land, credit, inputs (e.g. seeds and fertilizers), agricultural training and information, as compared to men; thus, empowering and investing in rural women proves critical and necessary for a productive and well-nourished population.

Land Rights - When a female farmer is revoked of the right to make decisions regarding land use, it deems impossible and hinders her ability to enter contract farming agreements; thus, seizing away one's ability to earn more.

Gender Roles - The existing gender norms in developing countries prevent a woman from bringing their crops to market or even leaving their villages without their husband's permission.

Gender Bias in the Economic System (e.g. Limits on Woman's Access to Credit) - The lack of adequate funds for capital investments force female farmers to have lower crop yields, despite dedicating extra time and effort.

TAKE A LOOK...The Power of Empowering Women in Agriculture (SOURCE: The Borgen Project)

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In recent studies, an unequal pattern exists among food distribution portions between genders; in essence, different amounts AND quality of food served to men. Yet, women hold more responsibility (different from control and operation) over food preparation, processing, and food distribution; thus, contributing more to household food security. Thereby, much of the essential work for ending hunger, particularly in developing countries, rests in the hands of women. In the case, that women do receive adequate access to food production sources, it enables them to further improve their household food security.

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On average, women comprise 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries and account for an estimated 2/3 of the world's 600M poor livestock keepers. (SOURCE: Farming First)

Due to legal and cultural constraints in land inheritance, ownership, and use, less than 20% of landholders are women. In North Africa and West Africa, women represent fewer than 5% of all agricultural landowners; while in Sub-Sharan Africa, they make up 15%. (SOURCE: Global Agriculture)

Of those women in the least developed countries who report being economically active, 79% report agriculture as their primary source of livelihood; that's 48% of economically active women worldwide. (SOURCE: Farming First)

The result of gender-based inequalities has cost Malawi 100M USD, Tanzania 105M USD, and Uganda 67M USD. Thus, closing the gender gap could lift as many as 238,000 people out of poverty in Malawi, 119,000 people in Uganda, and 80,000 people in Tanzania EACH year. (SOURCE: Global Agriculture)

By 2050, the global population is expected to grow by 2.3B people; food demand could rise 60%. Closing the gender gap in farming would not only fight hunger but also provide positive secondary effects, such that empowered women have healthier and better-educated children. (SOURCE: National Geographic)

The video below details the struggles female farmers across the world face, in regards to sexual harassment, cultural norms, and even the lack of adequate restroom facilitates.

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Women in Agriculture | Kamea Black | TEDxWWU

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“A Synthesis Report of the Africa Region.” A Synthesis Report of the Africa Region - Women, Agriculture and Rural Development, www.fao.org/3/x0250e/x0250e03.htm.

Duckett, Maryellen K. "Empowering Female Farmers to Feed the World." National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/partner-content-empowering-female-farmers.

"Revealing the Gap Between Men and Women Farmers." National Geographic, 07 March 2014. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/140308-international-female-farmers.

“Women in Agriculture.” Weltagrarbericht, www.globalagriculture.org/report-topics/women-inagriculture.html#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20women%20comprise%2043,farms%20by%2020%E2%80%9330%25.

“What Is the Impact of Rural Transformations on Women Farmers?” World Bank Blogs, www.blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/what-impact-rural-transformations-women-farmers#:~:text=Commercial%20agriculture%20is%20opening%20new,of%20agriculture%20can%20empower%20women.

Yuki, and Borgen Project. “Female Farmers.” The Borgen Project, Yuki, 6 Jan. 2021, www.borgenproject.org/tag/female-farmers/.

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Existing Gender Inequality Among Women in Agriculture

Worldwide Effort NEEDED to Level the Agricultural Playing Field For Female Farmers

EX.: PepsiCo Foundation and CARE -- Teamed Up to Equip Smallholder Female Farmers w. Knowledge and Technical Support to Grow High-Demand Crops Using Sustainable Agriculture Methods

Results? Decreased Poverty, Increased Food Security, Less Malnoushied Children, Decreased Mortality Rates, Shifts in Different Levels of the DTM, etc.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Closing the gap between men and women in agriculture