In sub-Saharan Africa, 33 million women work as smallholder farmers, often cultivating plots under two hectares with limited access to land, finance, and markets. Despite their deep traditional knowledge of farming and local ecosystems, they earn little due to barriers in accessing supply chains and value-added processing. Agroecology—an environmentally friendly farming approach—offers a viable solution. It relies on natural inputs like compost, promotes intercropping, agroforestry, and integrates livestock, making it low-cost and sustainable. This method not only boosts productivity but also strengthens food security and resilience to climate change, aligning well with women’s existing practices like backyard farming.
Agroecology is already practiced across Africa, from organic coffee farming in East Africa to agroforestry in West Africa and conservation agriculture in Southern Africa. Women are forming cooperatives, engaging in local certification systems, and developing circular economies to boost profits and community resilience. However, systemic barriers remain, including the perception of women as “farmers’ wives” rather than farmers. To advance, there must be investment in women-focused agroecological markets, processing infrastructure, and organic certification systems. With the right support, agroecology can empower women farmers, improve livelihoods, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Read full article at https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/33-million-women-grow-food-on-plots-in-sub-saharan-africa-greener-farming-can-boost-their-earnings-study