According to research by agricultural economist Lesley Hope, the adoption of agroecology could significantly enhance the earnings of women smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. This region is home to 33 million smallholder farmers, who represent approximately 80% of the total farming population. These farmers typically cultivate small plots of land, often less than two hectares, and face numerous challenges in accessing markets and resources that could increase their income.
Women farmers constitute over half of this demographic and play vital roles not only in crop production but also in agro-processing and marketing. Despite their extensive knowledge of local ecosystems and traditional farming practices, they often encounter difficulties in obtaining essential resources such as land, finance, and agricultural equipment. The transition to agroecology, which emphasizes environmentally friendly farming practices, could provide pathways for these women to develop more productive and profitable farming systems.
Understanding Agroecology’s Benefits
Agroecology promotes a range of sustainable practices that can reduce reliance on synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it encourages the use of organic materials such as compost, intercropping, and agroforestry, which integrates livestock farming with crop production. These methods not only support local food systems but also reduce dependence on volatile global markets, allowing farmers to keep more of their earnings.
Women who adopt agroecological practices can create new value chains by cultivating organic crops that command higher prices. Participatory guarantee systems, where producers and consumers collaborate to set quality standards, also enhance profitability for women farmers. Additionally, agroecology fosters a circular and solidarity economy, emphasizing resource sharing and collective ownership through cooperatives, which can further empower women in agriculture.
Women farmers are already engaged in agroecological practices across Africa. In Uganda and Tanzania, women-led cooperatives are actively growing organic coffee. Other regions, such as southern Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, showcase successful agroforestry initiatives. In Zimbabwe and Zambia, conservation agriculture practices are helping to maintain soil health while reducing environmental disruption.
Challenges and Recommendations for Progress
Despite these advancements, many women smallholder farmers are still perceived as mere farmers’ wives and do not receive the recognition or resources they need. To address this, it is essential for South Africa, as the current president of the Group of 20 (G20), to advocate for policies that support the transition to agroecology. This includes investing in agroecological markets, enhancing women’s access to productive resources, and strengthening their rights.
Key recommendations for fostering agroecology among women farmers include:
- Connecting women farmers to markets through dedicated agroecological infrastructure, such as cooperative markets and digital platforms tailored to their needs.
- Providing support for community-based processing hubs, including facilities for milling and organic packaging, to enable women to compete effectively in the marketplace.
- Establishing organic certification programs that enhance market access for women farmers and build consumer trust in agroecological products.
As climate change poses increasing challenges to agricultural productivity, empowering women smallholder farmers to lead the shift towards agroecology is not only beneficial but essential. Ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future in sub-Saharan Africa.
Lesley Hope has no financial ties or affiliations that could influence this article and operates solely within her academic capacity.
