Across the globe, agriculture forms the backbone of economies, livelihoods, and food security. Yet behind the fields, markets, and harvests lies a story too often overlooked—the central role of women. Women make up nearly half of the world’s agricultural workforce, but their contributions are frequently undervalued, undercounted, and under-supported. Recognizing women in agriculture is not just about equity; it is about unlocking the hidden force that can drive sustainable growth for communities and entire economies.
Women: The Backbone of Food Systems
Figure: GSMA 2020, The market opportunity in applying a gender-lens to Agri VAS
From sowing seeds to processing harvests, women are deeply involved across every stage of agricultural production. In many regions, especially in the Global South, women farmers are responsible for the majority of smallholder food production. They grow staple crops that feed families, manage household food security, and often serve as custodians of indigenous farming knowledge passed down through generations.
Despite their contributions, women face systemic challenges: limited access to land ownership, financial resources, training, and markets. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30%. This could lift 100–150 million people out of hunger.
The Hidden Force for Sustainability
Sustainability in agriculture goes beyond production; it is about resilience, adaptation, and stewardship of natural resources. Women play a crucial role here. Their unique position in managing households and farmlands gives them insight into sustainable practices such as soil preservation, water conservation, and crop diversification. By prioritizing food security and long-term resource management, women farmers are natural allies in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
Moreover, women-led agricultural initiatives often prioritize community well-being, reinvesting in education, nutrition, and healthcare. This multiplier effect strengthens rural economies while ensuring that the benefits of growth extend to future generations.
To unlock the full potential of women in agriculture, systemic barriers must be addressed. Key steps include:
- Land rights reform: Securing ownership and inheritance rights for women farmers.
- Access to finance: Expanding credit, insurance, and tailored financial tools for women-led farms.
- Training and technology: Ensuring women benefit equally from agricultural extension services, digital platforms, and climate-smart innovations.
- Market inclusion: Supporting women entrepreneurs in accessing local and global value chains.
Investing in women farmers is not charity; it is a strategic move for growth. Empowering women to thrive in agriculture strengthens food systems, increases productivity, and enhances resilience against climate shocks.
Toward Inclusive Growth
The future of agriculture, and indeed the future of sustainable development, depends on fully recognizing women as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers in the sector. When women’s potential is realized, the ripple effects transform not only farms but also families, communities, and entire nations.
Women in agriculture are not a hidden force—they are a present, powerful driver of change. The challenge before us is to ensure their work is visible, valued, and supported. By doing so, we plant the seeds of a more sustainable, inclusive, and food-secure world.