This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality,” highlights the urgency of dismantling barriers that hinder women’s full participation in economic sectors including agriculture.
Women are the backbone of agriculture in East Africa, contributing significantly to food security and household nutrition. According to the African Development Bank, women make up 50% of the agricultural workforce in Africa, yet they face systemic challenges that limit their productivity. Gender disparities in land ownership, financial access, and decision-making power continue to hinder their economic empowerment.
Challenges Facing Women in Agriculture
Women farmers in East Africa produce less than their male counterparts due to unequal access to productive resources such as land, seeds, credit, and agricultural technology. A 2017 World Bank report highlights that restrictive gender norms further burden women with unpaid labor, childcare, and household management, leaving little time for economic and leadership activities.
Social structures favor men in key agricultural decisions, limiting women’s ability to influence policies that directly affect them. In arid regions, where wealth is often tied to livestock, cultural norms restrict women from owning camels, cattle, and other valuable assets, deepening gender inequality.
Pathways to Gender Equality in Agriculture
Grassroots women’s leadership is critical in breaking these barriers. Empowering women through leadership roles in farmer organizations ensures their voices are heard in policy discussions. Expanding women’s access to land, financial services, and agricultural innovations will enhance their productivity and economic independence.
Capacity-building programs focusing on agribusiness management, climate resilience, and digital literacy can equip women with essential skills. Mobile-based advisory services and fintech solutions can bridge the information gap, providing real-time access to agricultural insights and financial tools.
Strengthening Partnerships for Impact
Governments, private sector players, and civil society must collaborate to:
- Invest in gender-responsive agricultural policies.
- Promote climate-smart farming for resilience.
- Facilitate market access for women-led agribusinesses.
- Ensure inclusive governance in rural development.
By fostering women’s grassroots leadership, we can accelerate gender equality, drive agricultural transformation, and create sustainable economic growth in East Africa.
