Providing Incentives to Women Farmers for Sustainable Food Production

Abstract

Women form an integral but often undervalued part of the agricultural production system in developing countries. Roles traditionally defined as “female”, such as saving, exchanging seeds, and acting as custodians and users of traditional knowledge, ensure rural food security and the maintenance of agricultural biodiversity. These responsibilities are distinct from those held by male farmers, who largely take care of harvesting cash crops for the market. In many ways, privatisation of agriculture and biological resources in the wake of increased production and the need for higher yields has resulted in degradation and shrinkage in the availability of natural resources. Ever more, women are left with fewer options in maintaining a key place in the productive system, thus affecting rural food security and biodiversity. (…)