Gender and agricultural extension

Abstract

Women are a key asset in agricultural development worldwide. On average, their labour comprises 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, ranging from about 20% in Latin America to almost 50% in East and South-east Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some sources even claim that in many African countries up to 80% of the farm labour is done by women (GFRAS 2012). In addition, many farming households in developing countries are female headed, due to male labour migration or loss of husbands to conflicts, HIV/ AIDS, etc. According to the FAO State of Food and Agriculture Report 2011-2012, women could increase yields on their farms by 20–30% if they had the same access to productive resources and training as men. This would raise the total agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5–4%, and consequently reduce the number of malnourished people worldwide by 12–17%. These statistics highlight the obvious: women, in their numerous roles, fundamentally contribute to food security.