Rural Women Farmers and Sustainable Livelihoods in Guyana

Paulette Henry

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v9i8.sh02

Abstract

Rural women in agriculture are legitimized women as productive stakeholders through a process that documents the various roles have played in rural agriculture, the rural economy, and food security. Accounting for 43% of the world’s agricultural labor force, women are important actors in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2 particularly in reducing poverty especially among women, and improving food security. This quantitative study has shown that women have combined their roles in varying fields of agriculture using their income to take care of families while contributing to the economy and food security. Their contributions however are underrecognized due to the gender disparities in the investments made to their male peers in the same business. This may be due to the feminization of rural agriculture coupled with many women not having the literacies required to negotiate the demands of land or loan acquisition and the technical skills to move beyond subsistence agriculture. Notwithstanding, rural women farmers earn income that helps to guarantee the basic livelihoods of their families and contribute to community food security. However, rural women farmers also have limited financial and technical capabilities to conserve their surpluses and increase their economic well-being. Investments by national governments must be made to rural agriculture with specific recognition towards the advancement of women farmers.

Highlights

1.1 Introduction to the Problem Globally and locally rural women farmers have been contributing to the development of agriculture
Women according to Mucavele (2015) continue to be the backbone of the development of rural and national economies and comprise 43% of the world‟s agricultural labor force, which rises to 70% in some countries
The quantitative study conducted in four rural agricultural farming communities in Guyana was guided by the assumption that rural farming women can contribute to their economic livelihoods and food security

Summary

Introduction

1.1 Introduction to the Problem Globally and locally rural women farmers have been contributing to the development of agriculture. Mucavele (2015) stated that whilst women comprise the largest percentage of the workforce in the agricultural sector, they do not have access and control over all land and productive resources. This is a significant factor that underpins a commentary from Michelle Bachelet - Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women who in a press release by UN Women (2012) made the connection between women economic empowerment and the range of possibilities that ensue. Bachelet asserts that when women are empowered and can claim their rights and access to land, there are many benefits to be derived since leadership is developed, opportunities and choices

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Discussion

Conclusion