Women Farmers Research Articles

Adaptation strategies to effects of climate change on vegetable production among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Adaptation strategies to effects of climate change on vegetable production among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Gendered impacts of COVID-19 in agri-food system and recovery pathways in India: A systematic review

The agricultural sector, essential for food security and economic stability, especially in developing countries such as India, faced significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacts included labour shortages, limited market access, disrupted supply chains and wasted perishable goods due to mobility restrictions. While many studies have addressed these effects in India, a conspicuous gap remains in understanding how gender dynamics intensify these vulnerabilities within the country. This review synthesises findings from 32 studies, shedding light on the intersection of gender and the pandemic's influence on India's agri-food system. Results revealed a noticeable underrepresentation of gender-centric research on COVID-19's agricultural impacts in India, with many studies being geographically limited. When gender was considered, few critically examined it as a socially constructed role, often reducing it to a mere variable. Women farmers, constrained by societal norms like lack of land rights and limited access to resources, endured more pronounced negative effects. Their participation in wage employment dropped, and household food security dwindled. Furthermore, women in India faced augmented domestic burdens, heightened domestic violence risks and health challenges. Notably absent from current research is a focus on the long-term economic recuperation of rural women post-pandemic within the Indian context and an exploration of varied gender-category impacts. Future research in India must adopt a longitudinal, intersectional lens, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, to fully grasp and address these enduring gendered ramifications in the agri-food sector in the post-COVID-19 context.

Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Peranan Perempuan dalam Budaya Bali di Desa Bali Sadhar Selatan Kecamatan Banjit Kabupaten Way Kanan

This study aims to identify and describe the factors that influence the role of women farmers and the view of Balinese culture on the role of women. The research was carried out in March 2022-April 2022 in South Bali Sadhar Village, Banjit District, Way Kanan Regency. The informants in this study were female farmers and male farmers who worked in the lowland rice sector with a total of 12 people. The approach used in this research is a qualitative approach with a research method, namely case studies. The results showed that the factors that influence the role of women are family factors, economic pressure factors, education factors and habit factors. This view of Balinese culture on the role of women is considered positive, because activities carried out in accordance with awig-awig (customary regulations) and work are an obligation to carry out dharma (goodness/truth) in accordance with Hindu religious teachings. Keywords: Factors, Role of Women, Balinese Culture

Constraints faced by dairy farm women in managing their dairy enterprise in Uttarakhand

Constraints faced by dairy farm women in managing their dairy enterprise in Uttarakhand

Development of scale to measure perception of farm women about climate change

Development of scale to measure perception of farm women about climate change

Pemberdayaan Kelompok Wanita Tani Dalam Mengolah Produk Pasca Panen Minuman Sereh Lemon Selasih

This community service aims to empower women's farmer groups in processing post-harvest products, specifically lemongrass lemon basil drink. The target of this activity is the Garuda RW 12 Women's Farmer Group in Cipayung Village, Ciputat District, South Tangerang City, which has great potential in developing processed products from local agricultural produce. The activity was conducted on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the RW 12 Hall Office and the local garden. The method used in this activity includes intensive training and mentoring, covering the stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation. The training encompasses processing techniques, packaging, and marketing strategies for the lemongrass lemon basil drink product. The results show that the women's farmer group can process lemongrass lemon basil drink with good quality standards. Additionally, there was an increase in the knowledge and skills of group members in technical and managerial aspects. The products also received positive feedback from the local market, reflected in increased sales and consumer interest. The implications of this activity are the enhancement of the economic welfare of the women's farmer group through the diversification of post-harvest processed products and the strengthening of their capacity to develop small-scale agricultural-based businesses. This empowerment is expected to serve as a model that can be applied in other villages with similar conditions

Development Strategy of Sweet Potato Rice in Tegal Arum Village Rimbo Bujang Sub District Tebo District (Case Study of Sweet Potato Rice in The Farmer Women's Group "Kasih Ibu")

Development Strategy of Sweet Potato Rice in Tegal Arum Village Rimbo Bujang Sub District Tebo District (Case Study of Sweet Potato Rice in The Farmer Women's Group "Kasih Ibu")

MSMEs for economic independence based on local wisdom

Background: The aim of this research is to analyze the empowerment of women in MSMEs for Economic Independence Based on Local Wisdom. Method: The type of research is analytical survey research. This type of data uses qualitative data. Data sources consist of primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques using interviews, documentation studies, and observations. The data analysis technique uses descriptive methods with a qualitative approach. Findings: Based on the results of the analysis and discussion, empowerment of the existence of female MSME actors, members of the Jempiring Women's Farmers Group (KWT), Badung Regency, uses the local wisdom of Tri Hita Karana. Conclusion: This is considered capable of increasing economic independence to help family finances with education costs, able to help carry out home renovations and repairs, able to improve the health of all family members because family finances are already good. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in the empowerment model of women's MSMEs that integrates the principles of local wisdom Tri Hita Karana with a modern economic approach. This model combines entrepreneurship training, strengthening social networks, and preserving local cultural values ​​to create a sustainable and competitive MSME ecosystem while maintaining cultural identity.

Menghidupkan Prinsip 3R: Reuse, Reduce, dan Recycle untuk Masa Depan yang Berkelanjutan Di Kelompok Wanita Tani Garuda 12 Cipayung, Ciputat

Protecting the environment is not just a task, but a moral responsibility that must be borne by every individual. However, it is unfortunate that many people still neglect environmental cleanliness, especially in the process of waste management. The 3R principle, which consists of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, is an important approach in managing waste and maintaining environmental sustainability. This community service activity aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the 3R principle and creative ways to apply it in daily life. The program involves target partners from the Garuda 12 Women's Farmer Group in Cipayung Village, Ciputat District, South Tangerang City, with a total of 50 participants. The implementation methods include seminars, workshops, and direct practice held over one day on May 19, 2024. In this activity, participants were provided with theoretical explanations as well as practical demonstrations on how to apply the 3R principles in daily activities. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' awareness and skills in better waste management. Qualitatively, participants demonstrated high enthusiasm and active involvement in discussions and Q&A sessions. Quantitatively, there was a significant increase in participants' understanding of the 3R principles, measured through pre-tests and post-tests. It is hoped that this activity can inspire significant and sustainable behavioral changes in protecting the environment

Women, agriculture, and villages: A community of empowerment study to achieve wellbeing and sustainable development

Background: The women farmers play a crucial role in Indonesian villages. It needs the empowerment model for addressing the challenges and opportunities so the women farmers can increase her capacity especially in the agriculture system and family quality. By this condition we conduct research that focuses on the process of empowerment to achieve wellbeing and sustainable development. Method: Data drawing on a literature review, best practices, and real-life narratives. Findings: The data shows that despite their significant contribution to agriculture, women farmers are facing a lack of resources like land, credit, and information. Social norms build can relegate them to less demanding tasks, while decision-making power frequently resides with men. These persistent gender biases hinder their full potential and limit their agency. The narrative analysis reveals the remarkable resilience of women farmers. They manage their farms efficiently, innovate to adapt to changing circumstances, and find purpose and well-being through their work. The stories showcase their crucial role in rural economies and their capacity to overcome limitations. The research identifies key areas to empower women farmers and achieve sustainable development. Conclusions: Investing in their well-being through access to healthcare, childcare, and financial security empowers them to invest in themselves and their families. Promoting sustainable practices through training programs equips them with the tools to nurture the land for future generations. Fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration creates a network for innovation and best practices to flourish. Finally, breaking down gender barriers and promoting women's leadership in agriculture is crucial for achieving true empowerment and a more equitable future. By prioritizing the well-being of women farmers and fostering sustainable practices, we can create a virtuous cycle. Empowered women farmers contribute to a more secure and nourishing future, not just for themselves and their families, but for the entire community and the environment they sustain. Investing in women farmers is an investment in a future where well-being and sustainability go hand in hand. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study employs a multi-faceted approach to empower rural women farmers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. By integrating qualitative data from in-depth interviews and document analysis, it uncovers the intricate interplay between gender, agriculture, and rural development. Ultimately, the research highlights the critical role of tailored empowerment strategies in enhancing the economic, social, and environmental resilience of these women.

Analisis Sumber Daya Manusia Dalam Usaha Kecil Pertanian

This study aims to analyze human resources in small agricultural enterprises, focusing on identifying factors that influence productivity and business sustainability. The research subjects are small-scale farmers in the Garuda 12 Women's Farming Group in Cipayung, Ciputat, South Tangerang, who own less than 200 m² of agricultural land. The research method used is a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews and participatory observations. Data were collected from 30 members of the Garuda 12 Women's Farming Group in Cipayung, Ciputat, South Tangerang, using purposive sampling to ensure the selected respondents have high relevance to the research topic. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify main themes related to human resources. The results indicate that technical skills, access to training, and time management are key factors influencing the productivity of small-scale farmers. Additionally, support from government and non-governmental organizations in the form of extension services and technical assistance also plays a significant role in improving human resource quality. However, limited capital and access to modern technology remain major challenges. The implications of this research suggest that enhancing human resource quality can be achieved through continuous training programs and better access to resources and technology. This study contributes to the understanding of the importance of human resource development in small agricultural enterprises and can serve as a basis for designing more effective policies to support small-scale farmers

Strategi Keberlanjutan Bisnis Untuk Usaha Kecil Di Sektor Pertanian

This study aims to analyze sustainability strategies for small businesses in the agricultural sector, focusing on identifying factors that influence productivity and business sustainability. Key strategies that can help enhance the sustainability of small agricultural businesses include product diversification. The research was conducted over three days on May 19, 20, and 21, 2024, at the Women's Farming Group (KWT) in Ciputat, led by Mrs. Sri Agustin, who is also the neighborhood head. Data were collected from 30 members of the Garuda 12 Women's Farming Group in Cipayung, Ciputat, South Tangerang, ensuring that the selected respondents have high relevance to the research topic. The method used is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques included literature study, observation, and interviews with ten KWT members. The results highlight the importance of efficient food resource management, adoption of agricultural technology, market development and marketing, education and training, policy support, and access to financing. Financing for small businesses in the agricultural sector requires sustained support from various parties, including the government, financial institutions, and the private sector. With these various sources of financing, it is expected that small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises can grow better and contribute more significantly to the national economy. By implementing these strategies, small businesses in the agricultural sector can enhance their resilience and contribution to the economy. Effective strategies are necessary to ensure the continuity and growth of these small businesses. This study aims to identify and analyze strategies that can improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability of small businesses in the agricultural sector. The approaches include product diversification, adoption of modern technology, supply chain optimization, and strengthened market access. Product diversification helps farmers reduce risk and maximize income. Adoption of modern technology, such as smart irrigation and drone use for land monitoring, increases efficiency and production yields. Supply chain optimization includes improving logistics and distribution, which can reduce costs and speed up product delivery times

Gendered Impact of Climate Change among Paddy Farmers of Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, Tanzania

The study presents the findings on the research which examined gendered impacts of climate change among the paddy farmers of Kahama District, Shinyanga Region. Specifically, the study assessed gendered desegregated effects of climate change among the paddy farmers and the implications on the effects of climate change among women farmers of Kahama District. The study adopted a cross sectional research design on which 312 randomly selected farm households were interviewed. The study employed a triangulation approach whereby primary data were collected through household surveys, field observation and key informants’ interviews. The findings revealed that women and men farmers disproportionally affected by climate change. These effects include the prevalence pests and diseases over a period of 30 years and the general decrease in crop yields to due to the changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. These effects pose negative implications in increasing women’s workload and time burden, health and safety risks, and livelihood and food security respectively. The study concluded that women bear a disproportionate burden of the challenges of climate change due to existing social and economic inequalities. This negatively subject women farmers into health, livelihoods and overall additional household burden of the households’ activities. The study recommends to the Government to enforce gender-sensitive policies and interventions. Furthermore, it is recommended to the Government to ensure that effective strategies prioritize gender equity and inclusivity so as to build a more adaptive farming community.

Knowledge Level of Women Dairy Farmers on Dairy Animal Management in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh

An investigation was undertaken to study knowledge level of women dairy farmers on dairy animal management in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 225 randomly selected women dairy farmers in three animal husbandry divisions of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh viz., Pedaravuru, Guntur and Narasaraopeta. The farm women in the study area had good knowledge regarding importance of Artificial Insemination (96.40%), followed by identifying the animals in estrus (95.10%), importance of treatment of anestrus and repeat breeding animals (92.90%), culling of unproductive animals (87.10%) and pregnancy diagnosis at 3 months after insemination (86.70%). Poor knowledge was observed regarding dry period (20.90%), feeding concentrates according to the level of production (16.00%), strip cup test to detect mastitis (13.78%), urea treatment of paddy straw (4.90%) and practicing of dry cow therapy (4.89%) in the study area.

Creating dialogues as a quiet revolution: exploring care with women in regenerative farming

AbstractAround the world, practitioners and academics are engaging in the rise of regenerative farming. On the margins of the predominant farming system, and often with little support and acknowledgement, regenerative farming is surprisingly persistent and represents a radical response to industrialization, ecological crises and alienation. This study uses feminist theories to grasp farmers’ regenerative experiences and explores how dialogical methodologies can create collective thinking among farmers and between academia and practice. The study is based on dialogues and iterative writing between three female researchers and two female regenerative farmers in Denmark in which we explore regenerative farming practices, female perspectives, feminist (more-than-human) care, and the sustainability crises we are facing today and in the future. The exchange of thoughts provides insights into what it is to be human in farming, including more-than-human relationships, as well as reflections on composting as a reproductive practice, and the (quiet) revolutionary potential of regenerative farming. Thus, we experience how creating collective thinking about common concerns across academia and practice can entail feelings of being part of a community as well as involve actual consequences and risks. Finally, it reminds us that sharing fragility by laying bare our work (and thoughts) as both researchers and practitioners allows for careful dialogues and valuable insights.

Food insecurity and women's mental health in the Chitwan Valley of Nepal

Food insecurity is a major threat to global public health and sustainable development. As of 2022, 2.4 billion people worldwide experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. The occurrence and severity of food insecurity can depend greatly on power and social hierarchies, with women and girls often being less food secure than men and boys even within the same household. Moreover, social roles, such as the socialization of a mother to feed her children, impact food insecurity and its consequences. This study aims to uncover the relationships between food insecurity and mental health for women in the Chitwan Valley of Nepal. Utilizing longitudinal data from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, we connect food security data from 2015 with mental health data collected from 2016 to 2018. We find that women have a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic attacks than men, especially if they are experiencing food insecurity. Among women, we find that those who have recently experienced severe food insecurity have a significantly higher likelihood of meeting diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks than food-secure women. However, women's food insecurity is not significantly correlated with major depressive disorder. Moreover, we find that food insecurity is likely to co-occur with women's agricultural and wage work. These findings suggest a need for gender-attentive policy and programs accounting for both causes and consequences of food insecurity.

Information Network Assessment of Farm Women in Sub-Himalayan Terai Region of India and the Role of KVK

Krishi Vigyan Kendra play an important role of information network development among the farmers and farm women through different training and extension programme. This empirical study was conducted to find out the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra on information networks development of the farm women in sub Himalayan terai region of India and to identify the different factors influencing agricultural information network output of the farm women in terms of knowledge. The study was conducted in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal with the help of an ex post facto research design. It is found from the study that social participation of farm women was high in case of the members of Self Help Groups, Mobility of the farm women were more in panchayat office. Majority of the farm women received farm information from farmers club/FPO, sources of informal farm information of the female farmers were higher in case of discussion with fellow farmers, mass media exposure of the farm women was higher in case of mobile phone and farm women visit the farm science centre whenever problems occur. It is also found from the study that the variables livestock possession, material possession, participation of FSC programme, communication skill, attitude of the farm women towards FSC scientist, mass media exposure, e resources exposure, decision making ability, type of family and occupation were influence more than 70% of the variability of the dependent variable agricultural information network output of the farm women. So, it is very essential for taking consideration above mentioned variable before implementation of any farm women orientated programme. It is revealed from the study that the residual errors were less in the regression model and there was some of variation that is not explained by the model. The research work would play important guidelines for expanding the information network in the field of agriculture through Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

The coexistence of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation presents a critical nexus in advancing sustainable development efforts, particularly concerning the conservation of indigenous medicinal plants. These plants play a dual role: they are essential components of traditional healing practices and are integral to economic stability, food security, and nutrition in communities worldwide. However, the rapid depletion of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation threaten the availability and sustainability of these vital resources. Despite their cultural and economic importance, there is a noticeable gap in the research addressing the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. The existing literature often lacks comprehensive studies that document traditional knowledge practices related to medicinal plant conservation. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the mismanagement of medicinal plant resources impacts the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers who heavily rely on these plants for economic gains and food security. Hence, this study sought to explore and investigate the harmonious strategies that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation practices to safeguard indigenous medicinal plants on economic well-being in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in 2023, and a structured questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders (smallholder medicinal plant farmers). A multi-stratified sampling technique was used to draw up an appropriate sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and propensity-score matching were used for analysis. The study results indicated that the women farmers who are 44 years of average age and have 10 years of average schooling duration participate more in the production of indigenous medicinal plants. The average farm size per household is 1 ha, and it is reliant on an average of five members per household. The participation of women with indigenous medicinal plants underscores the significant role of women in traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to household income and community resilience. Additionally, the findings indicated that smallholder farmers are only aware of keeping indigenous medicinal plants by producing them in protected areas and on-farm conservation; other measures appear challenging to them. The study results reveal that knowledge of seed propagation, lack of knowledge of the implications of endangerment, the removal of forests with the motive of building houses, and, lastly, financial support were the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Empirical results on the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants revealed that farmers are generating income to sustain the household as well as enhancing food and nutrition security. Based on the study results, it is recommended that government entities and policymakers are urged to prioritize supporting traditional knowledge, implement on-farm conservation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices to ensure biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing targeted support for smallholder farmers, including access to land, agricultural services, and financial aid, alongside market development, ensures equitable benefits and sustainable livelihoods. Educational campaigns should raise awareness about indigenous medicinal plants’ ecological and economic importance, integrating traditional knowledge into formal education.

Women’s Local Knowledge and Engagement in Groundwater Irrigation: Impacts on Household Food Security in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Groundwater irrigation in Ghana is a major livelihood activity that secures food through the cultivation of vegetables for households, particularly in the dry season. This activity is largely driven by the application of local knowledge. However, the existing studies that examined local knowledge of groundwater irrigation focused mostly on male irrigation farmers. Women’s local knowledge is often ignored or remains undocumented. In instances where it is studied, women’s local knowledge is lumped with males’ local knowledge thus ignoring its uniqueness. Furthermore, the studies about women’s local knowledge in this activity present this knowledge as one that permits women to perform only supplementary roles. Also, irrigation generally has an impact on food security. Yet, few studies have examined how women’s engagement in this activity secures food for their households. Therefore, the study discusses the following: the source of women’s local knowledge of groundwater irrigation, the value and application of women’s local knowledge of groundwater irrigation and the contributions of groundwater irrigation undertaken by women to household food security. Local knowledge is special knowledge; thus, a qualitative study approach was employed to explore it. Five rural communities in the Upper East Region of Ghana were studied. Interviews were used to generate the primary data while ATLAS.ti and GraphPad software were used in organising, analysing and presenting the data. The results showed that women farmers possessed local knowledge which was traced to different sources. The knowledge extended to include their negotiation power for access to land/wells, resources of which they have been marginalised. The application of this knowledge in groundwater irrigation promoted household food security, in the dimensions of access, utilisation, affordability, and agency. However, climate change may threaten groundwater irrigation’s contribution to food security unless artificial groundwater recharge is promoted.

On‐farm evaluation of cassava clones using the triadic comparison of technology options approach

AbstractThe triadic comparison of technology options (tricot) approach to participatory varietal selection has been demonstrated to scale out the on‐farm testing of elite candidate crop varieties. In this study, we evaluated elite clones of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) using the tricot approach. We sought to (1) synthesize on‐farm trial data from two cycles evaluating different sets of elite cassava clones; (2) assess the agronomic performance of elite cassava clones considering sociodemographic and climatic factors; and (3) assess the performance of elite cassava clones for both agronomic and food quality traits. The study involved 10 districts in Uganda, two cycles/seasons of evaluation, 20 elite cassava clones, one check variety, and 294 men and 320 women farmers. Our results indicate that the agronomic performance of elite cassava clones was influenced more by geographic than sociodemographic factors. Our analysis identified the number of days with rainfall higher than 20 mm as the most influencing climatic factor over agronomic performance. Further, the study identified superior elite cassava clones UG110164, UGC14170, and UG120193 as promising candidate varieties for release, targeting food products. Overall, our study emphasizes the important contribution of end‐users to crop improvement and provides insights into use of tricot on‐farm testing methodology to evaluate elite cassava clones during cassava variety development in Uganda, which can be used to support decision making for variety release.