Women in agriculture : closing the gender gap for development

Women make significant contributions to the rural economy in all developing country regions. Their roles differ across regions, yet they consistently have less access than men to the resources and opportunities they need to be more productive. Increasing women’s access to land, livestock, education, financial services, extension, technology and rural employment would boost their productivity and generate gains in terms of agricultural production, food security, economic growth and social welfare. Closing the gender gap in agricultural inputs alone could lift 100-150 million people out of hunger. No blueprint exists for closing the gender gap, but some basic principles are universal: governments, the international community and civil society should work together to eliminate discrimination under the law, to promote equal access to resources and opportunities, to ensure that agricultural policies and programmes are gender-aware, and to make women’s voices heard as equal partners for sustainable development. Achieving gender equality and empowering women in agriculture is not only the right thing to do. It is also crucial for agricultural development and food security.
Part 1. Women in agriculture: closing the gender gap for development -- 1. The gender gap in agriculture -- 2. Women’s work -- 3. Documenting the gender gap in agriculture -- 4. Gains from closing the gender gap -- 5. Closing the gender gap in agriculture and rural employment -- 6. Closing the gender gap for development -- Part 2. World food and agriculture in review -- Part 3. Statistical annex.

x, 147 p. : ill., graphs, tables

Includes bibliographical references (p. 135-145).

9789251067680
0081-4539