In Zimbabwe, where agriculture employs almost three-quarters of the population, women are the backbone of the sector constituting around 70% of household labour in rural communities.
They are also the linchpin of homes, heading more than 40% of households in rural areas. Despite this, women across Zimbabwe remain marginalised in both social and economic spheres.
Particularly in rural areas, women’s access to land is almost entirely determined by men.
Patriarchal norms prevent women from accumulating assets and productive resources, limiting their ability to offer assets as collateral, and so limiting access to credit and loans.
Gender differences in property rights, access to information, and cultural, social, and economic roles make women particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
For example, recurring drought and low rainfall negatively impact water supplies and fuel wood accessibility, which increases the distances women need to go to secure such resources.
Women also remain marginalised in terms of adaptation strategies to cope with climate change impacts, especially limited access to irrigation systems.
In the heart of rural communities around the world, women play a vital role in sustaining agricultural practices and driving the shift towards more sustainable, agroecological approaches.
These women, the backbone of their local food systems, possess a wealth of traditional ecological knowledge and are poised to lead the charge in transforming our food systems.
Yet, their contributions often go unrecognised, and the challenges they face remain overlooked. It is time to shine a spotlight on the indispensable role of women in agroecology and empower them as the agents of change in building resilient, equitable, and environmentally-sound rural communities.
According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), women makeup on average 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, this figure rises to 50%, underscoring the central role women play in sustaining food production and food security.
Furthermore, a study by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) found that when women have equal access to productive resources, such as land, seeds, and extension services, agricultural yields increase by 20-30%.
Despite these critical contributions, women farmers often face systemic barriers that limit their access to land, credit, education, and decision-making power.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2022 by the World Economic Forum revealed that the gender gap in economic participation and opportunity remains one of the widest, with women earning on average 63% of what men earn for similar work.
This discrepancy is even more pronounced in rural areas, where cultural norms and entrenched patriarchal structures compound the challenges faced by women.
Agroecology, a holistic approach to agriculture that emphasises biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and community-based solutions, offers a promising pathway to empower women and address these inequities.
A study by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) found that agroecological practices, when implemented by women, not only improve food production and nutrition but also enhance women's decision-making power, economic independence, and overall well-being.
In Kenya, for example, the non-profit organisation, Agroecology and Livelihoods Collaborative (ALC), has been working with women farmers to build their capacity in agroecological practices.
Through on-farm training, seed exchanges, and community-based decision-making, the organisation has empowered women to take the lead in transitioning their farms to more sustainable, diverse, and productive systems.
As a result, these women have not only improved their household food security but have also gained a stronger voice in their communities and local markets.
Similarly, in India, the non-governmental organisation, Deccan Development Society (DDS), has been working with Dalit women (traditionally the most marginalised community) to revive and scale up traditional agroecological practices.
By providing access to land, seeds, and technical support, DDS has enabled these women to become the primary custodians of their local food systems.
Today, the DDS women's collectives manage over 5,000 acres of land, producing a diverse array of nutritious crops and contributing to the food sovereignty of their communities.
These inspiring examples underscore the transformative potential of empowering women in agroecology. When women are given the resources, knowledge, and agency to lead, they not only improve their own livelihoods but also drive the transition towards more sustainable and equitable food systems.
Recognizing the central role of women in agroecology, the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028) has highlighted the need to promote the empowerment of rural women and their full and effective participation in decision-making processes related to family farming and rural development.
Similarly, the Agroecology and Safe Food Coalition, a global network of civil society organisations, has called for the integration of a gender-transformative approach in all agro ecological initiatives, ensuring that women's voices and experiences are not only heard but also amplified.
To truly uplift women in agroecology, a multi-pronged approach is needed.
This includes addressing the systemic barriers that limit women's access to land, credit, and extension services; investing in women-led agroecological initiatives and cooperatives; and ensuring that women are equally represented in decision-making processes at all levels, from the community to the global stage.
By empowering women in agroecology, we can not only transform our food systems but also build more resilient, equitable, and thriving rural communities.
These women, the backbone of their local food systems, possess the knowledge, the determination, and the vision to lead the way towards a more sustainable and just future.
It is time to recognize and celebrate their contributions, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to flourish as the agents of change in their communities.
*Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a journalist based in Harare. He writes here in his own personal capacity. For feedback Email garymtombeni@gmail.com/ call- +263778861608