Women's engagement in agriculture and income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Women play a significant role in economic development in Africa, notably in agriculture, where their engagement is substantial. This study analyses the effect of women's engagement in agriculture (WEA) on income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa, using data sourced from the World Development Indicators and the Standard World Income Inequality Database for the period 1991–2018. Pooled ordinary least squares and instrumental variable two-stage least squares are employed to analyze the data. Results show that WEA effects are heterogeneous across African regions. Specifically, the study finds that WEA decreases income inequality in southern and western Africa but increases income inequality in central and eastern Africa. Policies aimed at reinforcing women's rights in agriculture by increasing their access to credit and to land, and by giving them a better education, will help to reduce the income gap that exists between women and men.