For generations, women have played a fundamental but often invisible role in agriculture. Today, that reality is changing. More and more women are leading farms, driving sustainable practices, introducing technological innovations and opening international markets. This article celebrates and analyzes the growing role of women in modern agriculture, supported by recent data and studies.

Women in Global Agricultural Production

Women represent about 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In some regions of Africa and Asia, this percentage exceeds 50%. However, despite their massive participation, access to productive resources such as land, credit and technology remains unequal.

• If women had the same access to resources as men, agricultural yields could increase by up to 30%, which could reduce the number of hungry people in the world by up to 150 million(FAO, 2021).

2. Women Leaders in Management and Commercialization

Women's leadership in farm management is growing. In Latin America, more than 30% of farms are already managed by women, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). In addition, women farmers tend to prioritize investments in nutrition, education and health, generating a positive social impact in their communities.

A study by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) revealed that farms managed by women show greater adoption of sustainable practices, such as composting and crop rotation, as well as more efficient use of water.

3. Participation in Value Chains and Exports

Women are increasingly participating in agricultural value chains ranging from production to export. In sectors such as coffee, tropical fruits and flowers, their role is particularly strong.

• According to Oxfam, in Central America, 25% of fruit and vegetable exporters are women-led companies.
• In the coffee sector in Colombia, more than 20% of the exporting enterprises are led by women, many of them organized in cooperatives that provide them with access to international markets.

4. Education, Technology and Empowerment

Access to education and technology has been key to increasing women's participation in modern agriculture. Organizations such as the CGIAR and the World Bank have documented that technical training in digital agriculture, the use of drones and data management has empowered women producers in countries such as Mexico, India and Rwanda.

• In a pilot project in Rwanda, women trained in digital agriculture increased their yields by 18%, while reducing their post-harvest losses by 30%(CGIAR, 2022).

5. Persistent Challenges

Despite these advances, women farmers face structural challenges:

• Only 15% of agricultural land is in the hands of women worldwide(FAO).
• Access to credit is 10-20% lower for women than for men, according to the World Bank.
• The burden of domestic work continues to limit the time available for productive activity.

Conclusion

The role of women in modern agriculture is not only essential, but transformative. From cultivation to export, women are leading with innovation, sustainability and an inclusive development vision. Recognizing, supporting and expanding their participation is not only an act of justice, but a smart strategy to build a more resilient and equitable food system. Is your farming operation tapping into the full potential that women can bring to the future of the field?

References

• FAO (2021). "The situation of women in agriculture".
• World Bank. "Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook.
• Oxfam. "Women, Trade and Agriculture.
• IDB. "Rural women and agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean."
• CGIAR (2022). "Empowering Women Through Digital Agriculture."
• CIAT. "Women and Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Latin America".

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