Examining the relationship between women’s empowerment and food security in low- and middle-income countries: A narrative review

Abstract

Prior research has proposed women’s empowerment in agriculture as one of the strategies to mitigate household and individual food insecurity within nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions. Yet the current evidence on this relationship is inconclusive requiring further exploration to elucidate the pathways through which women’s empowerment is associated with food security. This literature review aimed to draw insights from studies on women’s empowerment and food security and identify the related challenges and best practices in this pathway within the context of low- and middle-income countries. Scopus, PubMed, and Global Health databases were searched, as well as reference lists for articles. In total 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest a mixed relationship between women’s empowerment and food security and highlighted a gap in conceptualizing and operationalizing food security. To achieve sustainable food security, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19, researchers and stakeholders must respond to the broader context of gender systems that restricts women’s rights and access to productive resources to achieve food security.