Rome – The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). This initiative highlights the crucial but often overlooked roles women play in agrifood systems, from production to trade.
Tacko Ndiaye and Mariola Acosta from the FAO recently shared insights about the impact of women farmers on food security, nutrition, and economic stability. They emphasize the urgent need to raise awareness and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.
Who is a Woman Farmer?
The International Year of the Woman Farmer celebrates women involved in all aspects of agrifood systems. This includes family farmers, seasonal workers, fishers, processors, traders, and many others. It highlights the diversity among women, encompassing various ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The Role of Women in Agrifood Systems
Women contribute significantly to global agrifood systems, making up about 41 percent of the workforce. Many women in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Despite this, their contributions often go unrecognized, affecting household food security and rural economies.
Barriers Women Face
Women farmers encounter numerous challenges that hinder their productivity and income. These include weak legal protections for land ownership, limited access to credit and markets, and prevailing social norms that restrict their decision-making power. Moreover, heavy domestic responsibilities often prevent them from participating fully in agricultural activities.
Stalled Progress in Gender Equality
Despite efforts to close gender gaps, progress has stagnated in recent years. A report found that structural inequalities, too little investment in gender-inclusive policies, and inadequate data have held back advancements. Additionally, crises like climate change have further complicated the situation for women farmers. The FAO calls for coordinated action, including better data collection and targeted investments.
The Benefits of Closing the Gender Gap
Empowering women in agrifood systems can lead to significant benefits. Reducing gender disparities in employment and education could help eliminate 52% of the food insecurity gap and could add a potential $1 trillion to the global GDP. Ensuring women can participate fully in agriculture not only strengthens economies but also improves food security for millions.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change has disproportionately affected rural women. Extreme weather conditions have increased work burdens. Recent findings reveal that days of intense heat can reduce crop production for women farmers significantly compared to their male counterparts. Limited access to resources makes it harder for them to adapt to these changes.
Risks of Exclusion
If women farmers remain excluded from policies and leadership roles, the entire agrifood system risks inefficiency. Failure to leverage women’s contributions can lead to poor policy-making that does not address community needs, weakening the resilience of food systems overall.
FAO’s Role in Promoting Equality
The FAO is actively working to narrow gender gaps in agrifood systems by focusing on policy development, data collection, and fostering partnerships. Their initiatives aim to integrate women’s empowerment into discussions about food security and nutrition.
Plans for the International Year of the Woman Farmer
For the IYWF 2026, the FAO plans to spearhead global efforts to highlight the importance of women farmers. They will generate and share data, promote better gender-responsive laws, and encourage women’s leadership in decision-making.
Ensuring Continued Momentum
To maintain progress beyond 2026, long-term commitments are necessary. This includes investments, accountability, and ongoing support for women-led organizations. The International Year should ignite a transformative movement for continuous global action toward women’s empowerment in agrifood systems.
In conclusion, as every woman farmer contributes to the fabric of agrifood systems, recognizing their role and addressing obstacles are vital for future sustainability and equity.
