The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems Report

April 21, 2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently released a report titled “The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems” which sheds light on the gender disparities in agriculture and its impact on global economy and food security. The report presents comprehensive data and lessons learned about gender in agrifood systems, and highlights the need for gender considerations in achieving better production, nutrition, environment, and livelihoods.

Impact of Gender Discrimination in Agriculture

The report reveals that eliminating gender discrimination in agriculture could have significant positive impacts on the global economy and food security. Currently, over 345 million people are estimated to experience acute food insecurity. By closing the gender gap in farm productivity and wage employment in agrifood systems, the report suggests that global GDP could increase by 1% (or almost USD 1 trillion), and global food insecurity could be reduced by about 2%, benefiting 45 million people.

Gender Disparities in Agrifood Systems

The report highlights various gender disparities in agrifood systems. Women’s ownership and secure tenure rights over agricultural land are lower than men’s in most countries reporting on Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 5.a.1. There is also a 24% gender gap in land productivity between farms managed by men and women of the same size. In wage employment in agriculture, women earn 82 cents for every dollar that men earn, indicating a gender wage gap.

Shocks in Agrifood Systems and Differential Impacts

The report shows that shocks in agrifood systems, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have differential impacts on men, boys, women, and girls. Coping strategies and vulnerabilities differ among gender groups, and women often face more challenges due to existing gender disparities. Addressing gender considerations in shock response and recovery efforts is crucial for building resilience and reducing vulnerabilities in agrifood systems.

Regional Disparities in Women’s Employment in Agrifood Systems

The report highlights regional disparities in women’s employment in agrifood systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, 66% of women’s employment is in agrifood systems, while in southern Asia, it is 71%. This indicates that women in these regions rely more on agrifood systems for their livelihoods than men. Closing the gender gap in these regions could have significant positive impacts on poverty reduction and sustainable development.

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