Empowering Women in Agriculture For Food Security

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Food Security

Context

• The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, supporting the essential role of women in global agriculture while raising awareness of their challenges, primarily property rights and market access.

Contribution of Women in Agriculture

• Women play a critical role in agriculture, contributing significantly to food production, rural economies, and sustainable farming practices.
• Nearly 58% of the female labour force in Asiaand the Pacific works in the agriculture section.
  • In developing countries, women are responsible for 60% to 80% of food production.
  • Only 10-20% of women hold tenure rights to the land they work on, underscoring the scale of gender inequality in the sector.
• According to NITI Aayog, nearly 80% of rural women in India are engaged in agricultural activities, ranging from crop cultivation to livestock management.

Impacts of Women’s Involvement in Agriculture

• Higher Agricultural Output: When women farmers receive equal access to land, technology, and credit, they can boost food production, helping to meet local and global demand.
• Diversification of Crops: Women often grow a wider variety of crops, improving dietary diversity and reducing dependency on single food sources.
• Better Resource Management: Studies show women invest in sustainable farming practices, enhancing soil health and water conservation, which supports long-term food security.
• Improved Household Nutrition: When women control income and food distribution, families have better access to balanced, nutrient-rich meals, reducing malnutrition rates.
• Economic Stability: Women’s participation in agricultural trade and cooperatives strengthens rural economies, ensuring food affordability and accessibility.
• Market Expansion: Women entrepreneurs introduce new products and services, stimulating local markets and consumer spending.
• Community Resilience: Gender-inclusive policies and leadership strengthen social structures, fostering sustainable economic development.

Concerns & Challenges

• Limited Access to Land Ownership: In many countries, legal and cultural restrictions prevent women from owning or inheriting land, reducing their ability to invest in farming.
  • Only about 14% of agricultural landowners in India are women, restricting their ability to access credit and government schemes.
• Lack of Financial Inclusion: Women farmers struggle to obtain loans and financial support, making it difficult to invest in modern farming techniques.
• Restricted Market Access: Discrimination and inadequate infrastructure create obstacles for women to sell their produce at fair prices or enter larger supply chains.
• Restricted Access to Technology: Many women lack access to mobile-based agricultural advisory services, limiting their ability to make informed decisions.
• Limited Education & Training: Many women farmers lack access to modern agricultural techniques, digital literacy, and climate-smart farming methods.
• Gender Bias in Agricultural Policies: Government programs and subsidies often favor male farmers, leaving women with fewer resources and opportunities.
• Heavy Workload & Unpaid Labor: Women typically juggle farming with household responsibilities, leaving less time for productivity and income-generating activities.
• Social & Cultural Barriers: Traditional norms may discourage women’s participation in leadership roles, cooperatives, or decision-making in rural communities.

Effective Strategies

• Secure Land Rights: Ensure women have legal ownership and control over land. Without land, access to credit, inputs, and government schemes becomes nearly impossible.

• Access to Credit & Financial Services: Design microfinance systems and cooperative banks with flexible terms that cater to women farmers’ realities, enabling investment in tools, seeds, and other essentials.
• Capacity Building & Training: Offer skill development in sustainable farming techniques, agribusiness, and climate-resilient practices—tailored to local needs and schedules.
• Technology & Digital Tools: Provide mobile-based platforms for market access, weather updates, and farming advice—closing the information gap.
• Inclusive Agricultural Policies: Mainstream gender concerns in agricultural policy and include women in decision-making at all levels—from the village council to national boards.
• Supportive Infrastructure: Improve access to irrigation, storage facilities, transport, and local markets, which disproportionately impact women in remote areas.
• Farmer Cooperatives & Networks: Encourage women-led cooperatives to amplify voices, share resources, and negotiate better market prices.
• Childcare & Social Support Services: Recognize women’s dual roles by creating support systems that free up time for productive work.

Key Global Strategies

• Kenya: Programs such as the Women’s Enterprise Fund provide microloans and training to help women invest in agricultural businesses.
• Bangladesh: Government policies promote gender-responsive agricultural extension services, ensuring women receive training and resources.
• Brazil: Land reform policies have improved women’s access to land ownership, enabling them to participate more actively in farming.
• Vietnam: Digital platforms and mobile-based agricultural advisory services help women farmers access market information and climate-smart techniques.
• Beijing+30: It marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
  • 2025 Theme: ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’.

Indian Initiatives and Policy Support

• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): It aims to enhance women’s skills and access to resources in farming.
• Krishi Sakhi: It is a Community Agriculture care Service Provider (CASP) which aims to enable the last mile coverage in rural areas where farm-based services for agriculture activities are not available on time or expensive to afford for rural poor.
  • Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP): It is a key component of the broader ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Microfinance Schemes: It provides financial assistance to women farmers, enabling them to invest in sustainable agricultural practices.
• Digital Inclusion Programs: Mobile-based platforms help women farmers access market information and climate-smart techniques.
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: A direct income support scheme that benefits small and marginal farmers, including women.
• Kisan Fasal Bima Yojana: A crop insurance scheme ensuring financial security for farmers, including women.
• Jan Dhan Yojana: It improves financial inclusion by ensuring women have access to bank accounts and credit facilities

Conclusion & Way Forward

• Empowering women in agriculture is not just about gender equality—it is a necessity for ensuring food security. 
• By investing in their skills and opportunities, societies can build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
• Governments, private organizations, and communities must work together to unlock the potential of women farmers, ensuring a more secure future for all.
• The United Nations (UN) has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, for expanding opportunities for gender equality and women’s empowerment that can accelerate and transform agrifood systems, making them more sustainable, productive, and resilient.

Source: TH