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https://agclassroom.org/matrix/lesson/563/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/partner-content-empowering-female-farmers

https://www.globalagriculture.org/report-topics/women-in-agriculture.html#:~:text=Women%20are%20of%20vital%20importance,food%20production%20in%20developing%20countries.&text=In%20many%20farming%20communities%2C%20women,of%20knowledge%20on%20crop%20varieties.

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/gender-and-food-security-food-distribution-and-nutrition-emergencies

https://blogs.iadb.org/sostenibilidad/en/cual-es-el-rol-de-la-mujer-en-la-seguridad-alimentaria-2/#:~:text=It's%20estimated%20that%20women%20produce,in%20their%20families%20and%20communities.

https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/women-agriculture

https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20221052

https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/africa-myths-and-facts/publication/women-agriculture-and-work-in-africa

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In much of the world, the face of farming is female. Globally, reports the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the majority of economically active women in the least-developed countries work in agriculture. And, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture (the latest data available), 30 percent of farmers in the U.S. are women. The problem? Gender-specific obstacles-such as lack of access to land, financing, markets, agricultural training and education, suitable working conditions, and equal treatment-put female farmers at a significant disadvantage before they ever plow a field or sow a seed.

Arguably, the biggest roadblock is land rights. In developing countries, only 10 to 20 percent of landholders are women, and in some parts of the world, women still cannot legally own or control land. When a female farmer isn't empowered to make decisions about the land she works, it is impossible for her to enter contract farming agreements that could provide higher earnings and reliable sources of income.

In addition, entrenched gender roles in developing countries can prevent women from bringing their crops to market or even leaving their villages without their husband's permission. While female farmers in the U.S. don't face the same restrictions, Lorie Fleenor, 33, an eighth-generation Bristol, Tennessee, farmer, says persistent gender bias in agriculture makes it "easier" to have her husband, Ben, handle business transactions and phone calls for the family's Magna Vista Farm.

"Even though I run the farm and make the decisions, they [male farmers] don't want to talk to me about when to cut hay, or when to sell cattle, or how much rain we've gotten. They want to talk to a man," she explains. "I guess being a woman, you have to go above and beyond to prove yourself."

Yet, even with female farmers expending extra effort (worldwide, women work more hours per year than men), they substantially lag behind their male counterparts when it comes to crop yields and earnings. On average, women-run farms produce 20 to 30 percent less than farms run by men. The reasons for this "crop gap," according to the FAO, have nothing to do with an aptitude for farming and everything to do with the gender-specific obstacles.

Inherent gender bias in the economic system, for example, regularly limits a woman's access to credit. That's especially true for smallholder female farmers in developing countries where cultural norms and lack of collateral often prevent women from borrowing money. Without adequate funds for capital investments, female farmers are less likely than men to buy and use fertilizer, drought-resistant seeds, sustainable agricultural practices, and other advanced farming tools and techniques that increase crop yields.

Abolishing gender-specific barriers in farming, the FAO reports, would not only empower women to achieve their highest economic potential, it could help feed a hungry world. According to the FAO, most of the approximately 820 million people worldwide who are currently undernourished live in developing countries-the same places where women are key to food production. Giving females access to the same resources and education as males could increase food production by women by up to 30 percent, potentially eliminating hunger for 150 million people. In addition, the FAO asserts, earning extra income would enable women to spend more money on health care, nutrition, and education for their children-investments that could produce long-term, positive results for farm families and their neighbors.

A worldwide effort to level the agricultural playing field for female farmers is gaining momentum. In Western Uganda, for example, the PepsiCo Foundation is teaming up with the global humanitarian organization CARE to equip smallholder female farmers with the knowledge and technical support to grow high-demand crops using sustainable agriculture methods. Recently, PepsiCo and CARE launched Closing the Crop Gap, a global campaign designed to promote awareness of women in agriculture and offer them a platform to share their own stories in their own words.

The World Bank also has made gender equity in the agriculture and food sector a specific goal and is working to expand women's access to land and rural finance. And, in 2016 alone, Feed the Future, the U.S. government's global hunger and food-security initiative, helped nearly 2.4 million women improve their agriculture- and food-security-related skills, and helped more than 420,000 women access agriculture-related credit.

The idea that closing the gender gap in farming would produce more food and long-term benefits for farm families and their neighbors doesn't surprise Crumpler, North Carolina farmer Carol Coulter, 62, owner of Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy. Coulter, a founding member and former executive director of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (a supportive network of small-scale female gardeners and farmers in nine western North Carolina counties), sells cheese-made by her husband, Lon-at local farmer's markets where many of the vendors are female.

"Women are the fastest growing group of new farmers, and I believe that is good for everyone because women tend to be community oriented," Coulter says. "There's a quote that really reaches out to me that goes something like, 'If you teach a man to farm, his family will eat. If you teach a woman to farm, the community will eat.'"

And, as the FAO reports, if women farmers gain access to the same resources as their male counterparts, the entire world will eat, too.

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Empowering female farmers to feed the world

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In much of the world, the face of farming is female. Globally, reports the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the majority of economically active women in the least-developed countries work in agriculture. And, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture (the latest data available), 30 percent of farmers in the U.S.

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Women play significant roles in food distribution, from the farm to the table. They are involved in all aspects of the food supply chain, including transporting, processing, packaging, and marketing of agricultural products. Women are often responsible for selling food products in local markets, where they act as intermediaries between farmers and consumers. They also play a vital role in ensuring that food reaches vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and the sick. Additionally, women are involved in food processing, where they add value to agricultural products by transforming raw materials into marketable products. This includes activities such as drying, milling, and packaging of grains and other food products. Moreover, women are often the primary food providers in households, responsible for planning and preparing meals for their families. As such, they have an essential role in ensuring that households have access to nutritious and safe food. Despite their significant contributions, women in food distribution face numerous challenges, including limited access to markets, inadequate storage facilities, and lack of infrastructure, including roads and transportation. Efforts are being made to address these challenges, including promoting women's participation in market-led agriculture and improving infrastructure to facilitate the efficient movement of food products. These initiatives are critical to ensuring food security and reducing food waste in communities.

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Women play a critical role in subsistence farming around the world, often serving as the primary food producers and providers for their families and communities. In many rural areas, women are responsible for tending to crops and livestock, harvesting, and preparing food for consumption. They also manage natural resources, such as water and land, and often have a deep understanding of local ecology and farming practices. Despite their crucial contributions, women in subsistence farming face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, financial and technical assistance, and unequal social and cultural norms. However, their resilience and determination have led to innovations and improvements in agricultural practices, making them integral to the global food system.

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Over the years, the role of women in commercial agriculture has significantly increased. Women are increasingly involved in various aspects of the agricultural value chain, from production to processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products. In many countries, women constitute a significant percentage of the agricultural workforce and have become key players in the global food system. They are involved in both small-scale and large-scale commercial agriculture and are making significant contributions to the economy. Moreover, women's participation in commercial agriculture has been shown to have a positive impact on household income and food security. However, despite their significant contribution, women in commercial agriculture still face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, capital, and technology, as well as cultural barriers that limit their participation and advancement in the sector. Nevertheless, efforts to promote gender equality in agriculture are increasing, and initiatives that aim to empower women in the sector are being implemented, leading to a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector.

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Women in Subsistence Agriculture- Africa 

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Women in Subsistence Agriculture- Africa 

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Women play a crucial role in agriculture in Africa, where they constitute a significant percentage of the agricultural workforce. They are involved in various aspects of agricultural production, from planting, weeding, and harvesting to processing, storage, and marketing of agricultural products. In many African countries, women are responsible for up to 80% of the food production, making them critical players in the agricultural sector. Moreover, women in Africa have developed innovative farming practices that have helped to increase agricultural productivity and food security. They have also been instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional knowledge and practices, including seed saving and crop diversification. However, despite their significant contribution, women in African agriculture still face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and markets, as well as gender-based discrimination and cultural barriers. Efforts are being made to address these challenges through various initiatives that aim to empower women in agriculture, including providing access to education, financial and technical assistance, and improving land tenure systems to ensure women's land rights.