By Elijah Banda
In a global effort to achieve food security and environmental sustainability, we often overlook one of our most powerful and underutilised resource: the crucial role of women in agriculture. While they constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, particularly in developing nations, their contributions are frequently undervalued and hampered by systemic inequalities. Empowering women is not merely a matter of social justice; it is a strategic imperative for building resilient food systems, improving household nutrition, and fostering sustainable development on a global scale.
Women are the bedrock of agricultural communities, acting as primary food producers, processors, and preservers. In many parts of the developing world, they are responsible for up to 80% of food production for household consumption. From planting and weeding to harvesting and post-harvest activities, their hands are intimately involved in every stage of the food value chain. Furthermore, women are often the custodians of indigenous knowledge related to seed selection and preservation—a vital practice for adapting crops to changing climates and maintaining biodiversity. This deep, practical knowledge is essential for creating food systems that are not only productive but also resilient and environmentally sound. However, this profound contribution remains largely invisible in official statistics and policy discussions, leading to a persistent disconnect between their labor and the recognition they deserve.
This invisibility is compounded by a range of systemic challenges that limit women's potential. Across many regions, a lack of secure land tenure is a primary barrier. Without legal rights to the land they farm, women are unable to use it as collateral for loans, preventing them from investing in better seeds, fertilizers, or modern tools. This limited access to credit and financial services traps them in a cycle of subsistence farming. In places like Malawi, where women are central to smallholder agriculture, these challenges are particularly acute. They often face educational disparities and are less likely to receive training from agricultural extension services, which tend to be male-dominated. These barriers are not merely an inconvenience; they are a direct cause of lower agricultural productivity and perpetuate food insecurity at both the family and national levels.
As various orgaisations implement Adult Learning and Education programmes, it is important to deliberately reach out to women with information on how their can improve their daily endeavours including agriculture.
The ripple effect of empowering women, however, extends far beyond the farm. Research consistently shows that when women earn an income, they are more likely than men to invest it in their family’s well-being—spending it on food, healthcare, and education for their children. An empowered woman with greater control over household resources and decision-making power directly translates to improved nutrition and better health outcomes for her family. Therefore, investing in women is a direct and highly effective investment in the health, education, and long-term prosperity of entire communities. It is the most powerful tool we have for breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and malnutrition.
To truly unlock this potential, a multifaceted approach is required. Governments and international organizations must implement policy reforms that guarantee women's land rights and ensure their equal access to property. Financial institutions should develop targeted micro-credit programs that cater to the specific needs of female farmers. Critically, agricultural extension and training programs must be gender-sensitive, actively reaching out to women with relevant information and support. Finally, community-based initiatives and non-governmental organizations play a vital role in challenging social norms and cultural barriers that limit women's participation and leadership.