Agriculture is an important engine of growth and poverty reduction. However, the sector is underperforming in many countries in part because women, who are often a crucial resource in agriculture and the rural economy, face constraints that reduce their productivity.
Aggregate data shows that women comprise about 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force globally. According to the World Bank, in a Kenya 2014 report, women make up between 42% and 65% of the agricultural force in addition to their traditional domestic responsibilities.
The socially constructed gender roles that define the division of labour has made rural women in Kenya dependent on males, therefore, making women subordinate socially, economically and politically. Women have been neglected in sector development and their importance in agricultural production is underestimated due to inadequate information on the level of women participation in agricultural production.
Some of the barriers that hinder women participation in agriculture include lack of knowledge about the opportunities available, the perception that these types of careers don’t mesh with having a family, and the feeling that they don’t belong, etc.
In today’s podcast series, Susan Njeri, the Director and founder of Kamiti Fish and Integrated Farm will help us look at the significance of women in agriculture, their inclusion, constraints and success.
Join us.
If you have questions, are looking for more information on the Agri-Jobs 4 Youth initiative or wish to collaborate with us, please send a mail to agri-jobs4youth@giz.de or follow the conversation online through #kilimonibiz. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
