Women’s Contribution to Agricultural Labor Force
Women’s contribution to the agricultural labor force ranges from about 20 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean to over 50 percent in Africa. As critical members of the small family farms, which produce about 35 percent of the world’s food, female farmers have valuable traditional knowledge and are largely responsible for the selection of crop varieties. It has also been made clear to breeders, researchers and extension workers that communities are more likely to adopt improved crop varieties tested and selected by both female and male farmers through this knowledge.
FAO Initiatives to Strengthen Women’s Roles in Agrifood Systems
FAO has undertaken a number of initiatives and programs to strengthen women’s roles in agrifood systems as well as their access to training and resources that can improve farm productivity. In crop production systems, mechanization plays a critical role in achieving the desired gainful outcomes.
Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization
FAO recognizes women’s need to access agricultural mechanization in plant production to conduct their farming practices profitably and efficiently. Sustainable agricultural mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing technologies, from simple and basic hand tools to more sophisticated and motorized equipment. Mechanization facilitates agricultural land preparation; seeding and planting; weed control; integrated pest management; precise fertilizer application; irrigation; harvesting; preparation of produce for storage; value addition; and transport.
Facilitating Women’s Access to Technology
The workload of female farmers in some instances has increased as a result of rural-urban migration with a preponderance of men leaving their villages and thereby abandoning farming activities. Female farmers face a number of demands, such as triple work burden of farming, household and community tasks.
Example in Nepal
In Nepal, where more than 74 percent of the female population works in the agricultural sector, rice, maize, wheat and millets are among the staple food crops. To support women’s access to sustainable agricultural mechanization, FAO has worked closely with the Government of Nepal on a Technical Cooperation Programme in 2019-2021. The project facilitated the creation of two mechanization service centres, led by women, to provide mechanization services in the communities for a fee, generating income and confidence for the participants. Training programs on business development, machinery operation, maintenance and repair were also organized.
Increasing Efficiency and Autonomy
Increasing crop productivity is essential for ensuring food security and nutrition, rural development and natural resource conservation.
Example in Benin
Another example of FAO’s work is in Benin, where together with the government, the National Strategy for Agricultural Mechanization was developed in 2020. FAO carried out a project focused on women’s empowerment and income generation through mechanization benefiting 15 rice, cassava and soya processing cooperatives in Glazoué, Savalou and Tchaourou, with the support of the German agency for international cooperation, or GIZ. The female processors gained autonomy and reduced their work burden. By producing higher quality products, they were able to increase their sales, enhancing their business potential as service providers and entrepreneurs.
Investing in Women
International Women’s Day 2024 is an opportunity to reflect on the vital contribution that women make to agrifood systems. The theme of this year’s Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’ and it’s a timely reminder that empowerment and inclusion can create a better world that protects and enhances lives and livelihoods.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women | Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources | Indicator 5.a.1: (a) Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, by sex; and (b) share of women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land, by type of tenure |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The article discusses the contribution of female farmers to the agricultural labor force and their role in small family farms that produce a significant portion of the world’s food. SDG 2 aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article highlights the need to strengthen women’s roles in agrifood systems, improve their access to training and resources, and address the challenges they face in farming activities. SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions the importance of women’s access to agricultural mechanization to improve their livelihoods and reduce their work burden. SDG 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women
The article emphasizes the valuable traditional knowledge and contribution of female farmers in small family farms that produce a significant portion of the world’s food. Target 2.3 specifically focuses on doubling the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, with a particular emphasis on women.
Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources
The article highlights the need to improve women’s access to agricultural mechanization, financial resources, information, training, and guidance to enhance their livelihoods. Target 5.a aims to promote gender equality by ensuring women’s equal rights to economic resources and access to ownership and control over land, financial services, and natural resources.
Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
The article mentions the importance of women’s access to agricultural mechanization to improve their livelihoods and reduce their work burden. Target 8.5 focuses on achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women, and ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size
This indicator can measure the increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including women. It assesses the volume of production per labor unit, which reflects the efficiency and productivity of farming activities.
Indicator 5.a.1: (a) Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, by sex; and (b) share of women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land, by type of tenure
This indicator can measure progress in giving women equal rights to economic resources, including ownership and control over agricultural land. It assesses the proportion of the agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, disaggregated by sex.
Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
This indicator can measure progress in achieving full and productive employment and decent work for women and men. It assesses the unemployment rate, disaggregated by sex, age, and persons with disabilities, to identify any gender disparities in employment opportunities.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women | Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources | Indicator 5.a.1: (a) Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together. Source: fao.org
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