Empowering women in agriculture: Critical role of gender-intentional investments in Pakistan

Despite substantial investments in Pakistan's irrigated agriculture sector, women's conditions have seen limited improvement, emphasizing the need for gender-intentional investments. This study aims to provide evidence on the status of women in the marginalized areas of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank to guide more gender-responsive investment decisions that align with gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Conducted in the Gomal Zam Dam command area (comprising District Tank and Dera Ismail Khan (DIK), the study surveyed 122 dual-headed households (households where both male and female decision-makers were surveyed), revealing that only 23 % of women have achieved empowerment, compared to 78 % of men. Women's disempowerment primarily stems from limited control in leadership and income, while men face constraints related to leadership and workload. Men have greater autonomy over production inputs and income decisions, with indicators of asset ownership and income contributing 0 % to their disempowerment.

The study identifies critical barriers to women's empowerment, such as lack of group membership and control over income and suggests further research into the socio-economic and cultural factors affecting gender disparity. The findings underscore the need for tailored policies and gender-intentional investments to close the gender gap and promote women's empowerment in agriculture.