UN agency emphasizes the economic potential of empowering women in agriculture. In a recent report, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations revealed that gender inequalities in the agrifood sector are causing a staggering $1 trillion loss in global economic output. The FAO underscores the urgent need to address these disparities to unlock economic growth and alleviate global hunger.
Gender Disparities Impact Productivity
The report highlights a 24% productivity gap between men and women farmers on farms of equal size. Factors such as limited access to knowledge and resources, coupled with a higher unpaid care burden on women, contribute to this productivity disparity.
Wage Gap Persists
Women employed in the agricultural sector earn nearly 20% less than their male counterparts, pointing to a persistent wage gap that needs attention.
Economic Impact of Closing Gender Gap: FAO estimates that closing the gender gap in farm productivity and agricultural wages would increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by nearly $1 trillion and reduce the number of food-insecure people by 45 million.
Structural Inequalities Persist
The report highlights ongoing challenges such as women's limited access to land, services, credit, and digital technology. Discriminatory social norms further reinforce gender barriers, hindering women's equal contribution to the agrifood sector.
Potential Benefits of Women Empowerment
FAO emphasizes that empowering women in agriculture has broad economic and social benefits. Projects that specifically focus on empowering women could significantly raise incomes for millions and increase resilience in the face of challenges.
Call for Urgent Action
The report calls for urgent policy measures to close gaps related to access to assets, technology, and resources. Interventions addressing care and unpaid domestic work burdens, providing education and training, and strengthening land-tenure security are recommended.
Monitoring Progress
FAO stresses the need for high-quality, disaggregated data to monitor and accelerate progress on gender equality in agrifood systems. Rigorous gender research is crucial for informed policy decisions.
FAO Advocates for Social Protection Programs
The report recommends social protection programs that have shown to increase women's employment and resilience, particularly during economic downturns.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu urges global action to make agrifood systems work for women, emphasizing the pivotal role women play in the sector. The report serves as a wake-up call to address gender inequalities and harness the untapped potential of women in agriculture for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
