Women Boost Agribusiness

A job is a primary means to escape poverty, and creating opportunities for better jobs promotes shared prosperity. Women play a crucial role in agriculture, contributing as farmers, entrepreneurs, and labourers. Agribusiness is essential for food security, job creation, and economic growth, particularly in low-income economies. Women’s labour is significant in global agribusiness, as they participate across various segments of the agricultural value chain and perform critical functions that drive business performance.

According to the Economic Survey 2017-2018, with growing rural-to-urban migration by men, there is a ‘feminisation’ of the agriculture sector, as more women take on roles traditionally occupied by men. Despite their increasing involvement, women’s participation in the labour force worldwide remains nearly 27 per cent lower than that of men. Moreover, women in agribusiness face severe constraints in accessing resources such as credit, land, and technology. Lack of land rights remains a major barrier, and women often receive lower wages compared to their male counterparts, even when performing the same tasks.

Globally, evidence shows that women play a decisive role in ensuring food security and preserving local agro-diversity. Empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs not only raises the profile of agribusiness firms but also improves corporate performance. Companies with greater gender balance in management are better positioned to face increasingly competitive global markets, as a diverse management structure contributes to enhance problem-solving approach and innovation.

Women have made significant contributions to business diversification and adapting agricultural practices to the market. Their involvement has helped advance the multifunctionality of the agriculture sector, transforming agribusiness into a more sustainable and inclusive industry. Acknowledging the wide range of vocational skills, interests, and achievements of women can make agribusiness more appealing and accessible, ensuring more women are willing to engage in this sector.

Women entrepreneurs should have equal access to decision-making and leadership roles within their business ventures. Policies must emphasise recognising the work of female farmers and granting them equal pay. There is also an urgent need to reform inheritance practices to grant daughters land rights, providing them with the means to contribute more significantly to the agriculture sector. Furthermore, skill development programmes targeting rural women should be implemented to provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, increase efficiency, and enhance productivity.

Women’s employment in agriculture encompasses diverse working arrangements, from small-scale farming to agribusiness ventures. A non-discriminatory and supportive working environment with equal opportunities for both men and women can lead to a win-win situation for business ventures and their workers. Agribusiness companies need to take proactive steps to encourage women to assume leadership roles, engage more actively in each stage of the business, and contribute to the overall success of the organisation.

Ensuring adequate social protection for all women farmers and entrepreneurs is another crucial factor in promoting modern, sustainable farming. Agribusiness firms and policymakers must recognise the pivotal role that women play and create opportunities for them to thrive in the sector. In conclusion, empowering women in agribusiness fosters economic growth, ensures food security, and paves the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Companies and governments must prioritise gender equality in agribusiness, as doing so will not only benefit women but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain.