Stewardship, commitment, zeal and hard-work are major qualities women possess inherently. Amidst these set of qualities, the woman is often underestimated and not given the necessary recognition as required. Women play diverse roles in strengthening the agricultural sector, but financial constraints decreases the productivity of the woman in agriculture. Research has proven that about 43 percent of women in the agricultural labour force engage in agriculture globally. Narrowing the scope to Africa, specifically the sub-Saharan Africa, women make up to almost 50 percent of the agricultural labour force in sub-Saharan Africa, an increase from 45 percent since 1980. Women treat agriculture very well as compared to men, since most women rely on agriculture to sustain the family.
Another striking contribution of women in agriculture has to do with the production of food to meet the global demand. Currently, it is recorded that about 60-80 percent of the food produced for consumption globally is attributed to the significant role women play in the agricultural sector. Although women work tirelessly every day to feed the global population, the necessary support and financial assistance which ought to be given to them are often ignored placing more focus on the men in agriculture.
On the farm, women are seen engaging in every activity, such as weeding, planting crops, applying fertilizer, watering crops, harvesting crops and even trading the crop produce to the consumer on the market. Their contribution to the agricultural sector is very great although it can’t be quantified with accuracy. Despite this contribution, the wage gap on the farm is not attractive thus making women in agriculture not recognize the essence of engaging in agriculture.
Empowering women
Women ought to be given the necessary financial support to champion increased production and practice modernized mode of farming. Most women are ignored and seen as not having the capacity to manage financial assistance on the farm for increased returns. This situation has made a lot of women venture into other businesses to be able to sustain the family and make good livelihood. An organization such as TIAST Group has championed this agenda, and is providing financial and technical support for women in agro-processing or women who want to venture into it. This initiative is one which would spur economic growth in the country and create more employment opportunities for the populace at large.
Also, the wages received by women on the farm ought to be increased. Undoubtedly, the concept of gender inequality has entered into the farm and making women earn less from a tiring labour. An increase in the wage rate of women on the farm would translate into the development of a stable rural livelihood, a better standard of living for women on the farm and a more dedicated heart to ensure food security globally.
Adding up to women empowerment on the farm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Departments of Agriculture in various countries should see to the training of women in agriculture. Mentorship programmes and workshops geared toward guiding women and teaching them innovative ways to thrive in the agriculture sector should be taken seriously for an accelerated growth.
Conclusion
Women empowerment is crucial to strengthening the agricultural sector thus women ought to be celebrated as the backbone for the development of agriculture globally. Various institutions mandated to promote sustainability in the agricultural sector should take women at heart and help sustain the industry. Women empowerment is indeed a tool for development.
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