Empowering Women in Agriculture: The Role of Innovative Training Programs

Agriculture stands as a cornerstone of global food security, poverty alleviation, and economic growth. Yet, a persistent gender gap undermines this sector's potential. Women, make up 43% of the agricultural workforce, but often face systemic barriers in accessing resources, technology, and decision-making opportunities, significantly affecting their participation and productivity. Despite their substantial contribution, women's ownership of land falls below 20%, and they often receive less formal agricultural education and extension services compared to men.

Addressing these inequalities is crucial. Studies have shown that equalizing women's access to agricultural inputs could elevate crop yields by up to 19%, enhancing agricultural market and overall GDP, and potentially lifting hundreds of thousands from poverty. If women had the same resources as men, they could boost their farm yields by 20-30%, increasing agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5-4% and reducing global hunger by 12-17%, equivalent to 100-150 million people. Women are also more likely to invest a significant portion of their earnings into their families' well-being. Thus, bridging the gender gap in agriculture not only advances gender equality but also significantly contributes to reducing global poverty and hunger (FAO, 2011; World Bank, 2012).

In response to this challenge, the Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) and the Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) Initiative launched the second installment of their transformative training course on gender and youth-responsive agronomic solutions in October 2023. Designed for Use Case teams and demand partners, the course emphasizes the critical integration of gender and youth perspectives to achieve equitable and sustainable agronomic outcomes. Utilizing a participatory training approach that includes interactive lectures and online micro-courses, it delves into gender concepts, integration frameworks, and gender-responsive scaling strategies. The participants are encouraged to develop action plans that weave gender and youth considerations into their projects, enhancing their capacity to enact gender-transformative practices in agronomy. This effort aims not only to improve the implementation of inclusive innovations but also to foster a community-wide shift in knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards gender and youth inclusivity.

Here are some insights from course participants:

Hanane Elwazziki, Plant Pathologist, INRA:

“The course was an eye-opener for me, shedding light on various gender-related concepts and providing frameworks for integrating gender and youth into agricultural projects, technologies, and innovations. I've learned how to implement gender transformative approaches in the design, piloting, and scaling of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), as well as how to conduct thorough gender analysis and diagnostics. This knowledge is crucial for our national project on adopting 1MHa of no-till fields to fight climate change and enhance the agricultural economy. As a plant pathology researcher, I see firsthand how agriculture is essential for growth and poverty reduction, yet it underperforms partly due to the limitations placed on women, who are key but underutilized in the sector. I firmly believe that the full potential of agriculture to drive growth and reduce poverty cannot be realized without the inclusion of women. They tend to reinvest their earnings back into their families and communities more than men do, which is why empowering women with control over their productive assets and incomes is so vital. Such empowerment not only improves the well-being of families and communities by ensuring better access to food, education, and healthcare but also stimulates the rural economy and national development."

Seun Adeniyi, Program Manger,? Agromall:?

“I learned a great deal from the gender and youth responsive agronomic solutions course, particularly about the concept of intersectionality. It taught me to consider how various factors like gender, age, education, and location intersect to affect individuals' access to resources and experiences. This insight allows for a deeper analysis of the challenges and opportunities present in agriculture. Additionally, the course reinforced the vital role women play in agriculture. Engaging in agricultural activities not only equips women with valuable skills and knowledge, including digital and agronomic best practices, but it's also pivotal for food security and sustainable development. My understanding of the importance of women's participation in agriculture has deepened, emphasizing its necessity for growth and prosperity in rural communities”

Huu Diem Ha Nguyen - DSRC Vietnam Use Case Member:

“In my country, Vietnam, agriculture doesn't get the attention it deserves from the younger generation. I chose to go against the grain and pursue a career in agriculture because I believe in the importance of carving out our own paths and making meaningful contributions to the sector. When it comes to women's involvement in agriculture, I'm a strong advocate. Women should have the opportunity to work in agriculture or any field they're passionate about. It's all about equality. Both men and women should have the freedom to choose their careers and follow their aspirations. To me, advocating for this kind of freedom and equality in professional choices is vital."?

Emphasizing education and capacity building is essential, as initiatives like the GREAT program are key in equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in agriculture. Furthermore, this training can foster a Community of Practice (CoP) through collaborative efforts. Participants are empowered to scale gender and youth-responsive technologies by applying what they've learned to their work plans and through partnership engagement. This collective action and support can spark a broader call to action, encouraging stakeholders in the agricultural sector to prioritize gender equality and endorse initiatives such as the Excellence in Agronomy Initiative, enhancing the sector's inclusivity and sustainability.

Other insights

Wivine Munyahali , Researcher, DRC OLAM Use Case Member:

“After transitioning from a career in medicine to agriculture, I found true fulfillment in the working in Agricultural sector. The farm's environment was refreshing, different from my previous work experiences before. What struck me most was the lack of recognition farmers receive for their hard work, especially women. This observation fueled my desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I am now dedicated to improving the lives of smallholder farmers, with a particular focus on empowering women in the agricultural sector."

Abdelali Mouaaid, Researcher, INRA:

“Agriculture is the cornerstone of Morocco's economy, and I'm deeply committed to contributing to its prosperity. It's crucial for our sector to thrive. Moreover, with women making up nearly half of our society, their involvement in agriculture is not just beneficial but essential. It's a significant source of income, and by including women, we promote broader participation in our national growth and economic inclusiveness. I strongly advocate for women's active participation in agriculture; it's vital for our collective future”

Kalpana Sharma , Senior Scientist, MercyCorps SPROUT Use Case Lead:?

"Through the course, I underwent a significant transformation in my perspective, evolving from being gender-blind to gender-responsive. This shift has profoundly influenced how I approach my professional work. Leading the Mercy CORP use case, my focus has been on bundling agronomic advisory services for delivery to farmers through the Sprout platform and various farmer-facing organizations. This role is crucial for boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability. Additionally, I strongly advocate for the critical involvement of women in agriculture. They are not just food producers for their households and communities but are vital to the broader agricultural economy. It's imperative to include women in agriculture, breaking down the cultural, social, and economic barriers that limit their productivity and participation. Addressing issues like unequal access to resources, cultural and traditional barriers, and gender-based violence is essential for fostering an inclusive and equitable agricultural sector."

Ritah Setey , Agricultural Economist,? Mercy Corps AgriFin:?

"From the course, I've gained invaluable insights into conducting systematic gender and youth analyses. It's opened my eyes, especially in terms of youth engagement strategies in agriculture, providing fresh perspectives I hadn't considered before. My connection to agriculture is deeply personal, rooted in my upbringing in a farming family. While I'm not a farmer by trade, my background as an agricultural economist has sparked a keen interest in modern agriculture, particularly where innovation and technology intersect. I'm convinced that the advancement and scaling of digital solutions in agriculture are crucial for food security and sustainable practices, especially in the Global South and sub-Saharan Africa. As for the role of women in agriculture, it's undeniable. Women are integral to farming activities, significantly contributing to food security, household income, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth. I firmly believe in the necessity of empowering women and involving them in agriculture to meet the world's growing food needs. It's not just about addressing demand; it's about tapping into the vast potential of women to drive positive change in the sector.”