In many regions, they make up a significant proportion of the workforce, contributing to food security, rural development, and economic growth.
According to data form FAOSTAT: Employment Indicators: Agriculture and agrifood systems , the global average share of women employed in these sectors stands at 38.5%.
However, some countries have significantly higher participation rates, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
The table below presents the countries with the highest percentage of women working in these sectors according to FAOSTAT: Employment Indicators: Agriculture and agrifood systems
| Rank | Country | Percentage of Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
1️⃣ |
Armenia |
68% |
|
2️⃣ |
Gambia |
64% |
|
3️⃣ |
South Sudan |
62% |
|
4️⃣ |
Mozambique |
60% |
|
5️⃣ |
Azerbaijan |
58% |
|
6️⃣ |
Kyrgyzstan |
57% |
|
7️⃣ |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
56% |
|
8️⃣ |
Zimbabwe |
55% |
|
9️⃣ |
Burundi |
54% |
|
🔟 |
Rwanda |
53% |
Africa’s Workforce: The Role of Women in Agriculture
In many African countries, women form the backbone of rural economies. They engage in:
Farming – Cultivating crops for both domestic consumption and export.
Livestock Management – Raising cattle, poultry, and goats.
Fisheries – Processing and selling fish in local markets.
Forestry – Collecting firewood, medicinal plants, and other forest resources.
Challenges Faced by Women in Agriculture
Despite their large numbers in the sector, women in Africa still face multiple challenges:
Limited access to land – Many women lack land ownership rights, making it harder to invest in agriculture.
Financial barriers – Women struggle to access loans, grants, and farming equipment.
Gender discrimination – Women often receive lower wages and have less decision-making power.
Climate change impact – Droughts and floods disproportionately affect women, who rely on natural resources for their livelihoods.
Solutions and Progress
Several initiatives are being implemented to empower women in agriculture across Africa:
Land reforms – Some countries are granting women better access to land ownership.
Women-focused agricultural training – NGOs and governments are providing education on modern farming techniques.
Microfinance programmes – More women are receiving loans and financial support to expand their businesses.
Technology access – Mobile apps and digital tools are helping women connect to markets, weather forecasts, and agricultural resources.
The Future of Women in Agriculture
Women’s role in agriculture, forestry, and fishing remains vital to Africa’s economic growth and food security. Governments and organisations must continue to support policies that:
Increase women’s access to land and credit.
Bridge the wage gap between men and women in agriculture.
Provide better infrastructure and market access for female farmers.
Encourage women to take leadership roles in farming cooperatives and unions.
With this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme being “Accelerate Action” there is an urgent need to take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.
With the right support and investment, African women in agriculture can transform rural economies, boost food production, and reduce poverty across the continent.
