Why are women farmers in rural areas important for the agricultural sector?

Greenhouse farming in Rwanda

We are often asked at Africa Development Promise, "Why do you focus on rural women farmers?" It is an important question and one that we have taken to heart.

Here are some reasons why ADP focuses on women farmers:

 In Rwanda and Uganda, where ADP works, rural women are essential agricultural stakeholders, with seventy percent (70%) participating in the agricultural workforce (paid or unpaid). However, most women farmers practice rain-fed agriculture using rudimentary farm tools and equipment, leading to low agricultural yields, low income, and food insecurity.

 What We Know

According to the FAO, if women farmers have the same access to productive resources as men, they increase yields by 20 to 30 percent and total agricultural output by 2.5 to 4 percent, thus lifting 100 to 150 million people from hunger. Farm productivity is enhanced by supporting women with training and resources, leading to increased food production and income. This, in turn, improves food security for women's families, the broader community, and the nation. Since agriculture is a crucial sector in many African economies, investing in rural women farmers not only improves their productivity, but also increases agricultural output, which contributes to the nation’s economic growth, job creation, and enhanced rural livelihoods.

 Rural women farmers have learned to be highly adaptable in facing challenges. Because of their traditional roles -farming, collecting water, and firewood, they deeply understand the natural resources and the local ecosystems. By investing in their capacity building and providing them with sustainable agricultural techniques, tools, and resources, they become better equipped to cope with climate change, droughts, pests, and other agricultural risks. This strengthens their resilience and enables them to adapt to changing conditions.

 We also know cooperatives are powerful vehicles for their members' social inclusion and economic empowerment. ADP promotes women-led or women-majority agricultural cooperatives that provide a supportive environment for women to contribute socially, politically, and financially. It also gives them bargaining power, and with the newfound power can challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

 Overall, supporting rural women farmers is a multifaceted approach that addresses various developmental challenges. This improves the lives of women and their families and contributes to broader social, economic, and environmental progress.