International Year of the Woman Farmer

The United Nations General Assembly's declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer marks an important milestone in recognizing the pivotal role women play in global agriculture. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the challenges women face, especially in areas like property rights and market access, while promoting gender equality and empowering women in agricultural sectors worldwide.

Contribution of Women in Agriculture

Women have always been integral to agricultural systems, particularly in developing economies. Their contributions span across food production, rural economies, and sustainable farming practices. Here are some key facts about women's role in agriculture:

• 58% of the female labor force in Asia and the Pacific is engaged in agriculture.

• In developing countries, women are responsible for 60%-80% of food production.

• Despite their central role, only 10%-20% of women own or hold tenure rights to the land they work on.

• In India, 80% of rural women are involved in agriculture, which includes activities like crop cultivation and livestock management.

Impacts of Women’s Involvement in Agriculture

Women’s involvement in agriculture has far-reaching positive effects on both families and communities:

• Higher Agricultural Output: When women farmers have access to equal resources like land, technology, and credit, they can enhance food production, which helps to meet local and global food demand.

• Diversification of Crops: Women often grow a wider variety of crops, thus improving dietary diversity and reducing the risks of relying on a single food source.

• Better Resource Management: Women tend to invest in sustainable farming practices, enhancing soil health and water conservation, which support long-term food security.

• Improved Household Nutrition: When women control income and food distribution, households benefit from balanced, nutrient-rich meals, leading to better health outcomes.

• Economic Stability: Women's participation in agricultural trade and cooperatives strengthens local economies, ensuring food affordability and accessibility.

• Market Expansion: Women entrepreneurs stimulate local markets and expand economic activities by introducing new products and services.

• Community Resilience: Gender-inclusive policies strengthen social structures, promoting sustainable economic development and creating more resilient communities.

Concerns & Challenges Faced by Women in Agriculture

Despite their contributions, women face significant barriers that hinder their full potential in agriculture:

1. Limited Access to Land Ownership:

   • Legal and cultural barriers often prevent women from owning or inheriting land, which limits their ability to invest in farming.

   • In India, only 14% of agricultural landowners are women, restricting their access to credit, government schemes, and other agricultural resources.

2. Lack of Financial Inclusion:

   • Women farmers face difficulties in accessing loans and financial support, which makes it hard for them to adopt modern farming techniques.

3. Restricted Market Access:

   • Discrimination, coupled with poor infrastructure, limits women’s access to fair markets and the ability to participate in larger supply chains.

4. Limited Access to Technology:

   • Many women lack access to mobile-based agricultural advisory services, reducing their ability to make informed decisions regarding farming.

5. Limited Education & Training:

   • Women are often excluded from modern agricultural training, digital literacy programs, and climate-smart farming practices.

6. Gender Bias in Agricultural Policies:

   • Government policies and subsidies often favor male farmers, leaving women with fewer resources and opportunities.

7. Heavy Workload & Unpaid Labor:

   • Women typically manage both agricultural work and household responsibilities, leading to overburdened schedules and less time for income-generating activities.

8. Social & Cultural Barriers:

   • Traditional norms often prevent women from participating in leadership roles, cooperatives, or decision-making within rural communities.

Effective Strategies for Empowering Women Farmers

To address these challenges, several strategies can be implemented:

1. Secure Land Rights:

   • Ensure that women have legal ownership and control over land, as this is critical for accessing credit, inputs, and government schemes.

   • Laws such as the Hindu Succession Amendment Act (2005) and the Forest Rights Act (2006) are crucial in ensuring women’s land rights in India.

2. Access to Credit & Financial Services:

   • Establish microfinance systems and cooperative banks that cater to the unique needs of women farmers, enabling them to invest in tools, seeds, and other essentials.

3. Capacity Building & Training:

   • Provide training programs in sustainable farming and climate-resilient practices, with content tailored to local needs and time constraints.

4. Technology & Digital Tools:

   • Offer mobile-based platforms for market access, weather updates, and farming advice to bridge the information gap.

5. Inclusive Agricultural Policies:

   • Integrate gender concerns into agricultural policies, ensuring that women are included in decision-making at all levels, from village councils to national boards.

6. Supportive Infrastructure:

   • Improve irrigation, storage facilities, transport, and access to local markets, which disproportionately affect women, particularly in remote areas.

7. Farmer Cooperatives & Networks:

   • Encourage women-led cooperatives to amplify their voices, share resources, and negotiate better market prices.

8. Childcare & Social Support Services:

   • Create systems that recognize women’s dual roles by providing childcare and social support services, freeing up their time for more productive work.

Global Strategies to Support Women Farmers

Several countries have adopted strategies to empower women farmers:

• Kenya: The Women’s Enterprise Fund offers microloans and training to support women in agricultural businesses.

• Bangladesh: Government policies promote gender-responsive agricultural extension services, ensuring that women have access to necessary training and resources.

• Brazil: Land reform policies have improved women’s access to land ownership, enabling greater participation in agriculture.

• Vietnam: Digital platforms provide women with access to market information and climate-smart techniques.

Indian Initiatives and Policy Support

India has launched several initiatives to support women in agriculture:

• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Enhances women’s skills and access to resources in farming.

• Krishi Sakhi: Provides community agriculture services to rural women.

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Microfinance Schemes: Provide financial assistance to women farmers.

• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: A direct income support scheme that also benefits women farmers.

• Kisan Fasal Bima Yojana: Provides crop insurance to ensure financial security for women farmers.

• Jan Dhan Yojana: Financial inclusion program that improves access to bank accounts and credit facilities for women.

Conclusion

Empowering women in agriculture is essential for global food security. As the International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026) approaches, it is a chance to unlock the untapped potential of women farmers by addressing the barriers they face. Governments, NGOs, and communities must collaborate to create supportive policies, infrastructure, and training opportunities to ensure that women can contribute to building more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural systems worldwide. The empowerment of women farmers is not just about achieving gender equality it is a necessary step toward ensuring the future of global agriculture.