When we think of agriculture, we often picture vast fields of crops, mechanized farms, or large agribusinesses. However, a significant part of global food production rests in the hands of women, particularly in developing countries. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women make up about 43% of the global agricultural labour force. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, their contribution is even more pronounced, with women performing the majority of agricultural labour.
But what would happen if women stopped farming?
The Immediate Impact on Global Food Security
If women suddenly withdrew from farming, the global food supply would be severely impacted. Women’s contribution to agriculture is not just numerical but fundamental to food production and household nutrition. In many rural communities, they are the backbone of small-scale farming, which feeds millions. Without their labour and expertise, food production would drastically decline, particularly in areas already vulnerable to food shortages.
For instance, women in sub-Saharan Africa are responsible for producing around 60-80% of the food that families consume. Without their contribution, not only would there be fewer crops harvested, but the intricate knowledge they possess about seed selection, crop management, and nutrition would be lost. This would exacerbate hunger and malnutrition, especially in communities that rely on these women for their sustenance.
The Effect on Household Nutrition and Food Security
In many households, women are the primary providers of food, not just through farming but also by ensuring food preparation and care. They play a critical role in ensuring that their families—particularly children—have access to balanced, nutritious meals. If women stopped farming, entire households would suffer the consequences, leading to increased hunger and poor nutritional outcomes, particularly for children and the elderly.
The Role of Women in Sustainable Agriculture
Women are also essential to sustainable agriculture. They often manage resources efficiently, preserving seeds, diversifying crops, and using traditional farming methods that promote biodiversity and ecological balance. Without their knowledge and labor, efforts to ensure long-term food sustainability would suffer. Sustainable farming practices would likely be replaced by less efficient or environmentally damaging techniques, further compromising food security for future generations.
Gender Inequality in Agriculture and its Consequences
The reality is that despite their contributions, women often face significant barriers in farming. Limited access to land, credit, and technology significantly hinders their productivity. Even though they produce much of the world’s food, women farmers often lack ownership rights and economic power. According to the FAO, if women had the same access to resources as men, they could increase food production by 20-30%, significantly reducing hunger and improving global food security.
If we do not address these inequalities, we risk undermining global food security even before women “stop farming.” Empowering women in agriculture is not only a matter of fairness but essential to solving the global hunger crisis. By providing women with the tools and resources they need—such as access to land, credit, and agricultural training—the world could see a substantial increase in food production, alleviating hunger and improving nutrition.
In the End: Empowerment as the Solution
The hypothetical question of what would happen if women stopped farming underscores the critical role they play in global food systems. While this scenario would result in catastrophic consequences for food security, it also highlights an opportunity. Empowering women and providing them with equal access to resources can have a transformative effect on global food supply, boosting productivity, and sustainability.
We must recognize that women are not only feeding their families and communities but are also key players in the fight against global hunger. By addressing gender inequalities and ensuring that women have the tools they need to succeed in agriculture, we can ensure a more secure, sustainable, and food-abundant future for all.
Let us not wait for a future where women stop farming to realize how crucial they are. Instead, let’s empower them now so that they can continue nourishing the world.
Practical Steps to Support Women in Agriculture:
- Invest in women-owned farms: Encourage governments and organizations to invest in female farmers through grants, loans, and agricultural training.
- Promote land ownership rights: Campaign for policies that ensure women can own and inherit land, giving them more control over their agricultural activities.
- Access to technology: Provide women with access to modern farming tools and techniques to boost their productivity.
- Education and mentorship: Create programs that offer women educational opportunities in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Empowering women in agriculture is not just a strategy—it’s a necessity for the future of food security worldwide.