Projects and initiatives from across the globe that celebrate the women producing our food.

If you try looking up information on how much of our food is produced by women agriculturists, you may come across the estimate that it is about 60-80%.

Truth is it’s not that easy to quantify women’s contribution to our food production system. They are the invisible hands that tend to our crops and our livestock. They participate in post-production processing. They take care of their families, cook and preserve food. Women are also involved in marketing and trading of food products. While not all the activities that they participate in have direct economic consequences, let’s just say that what we can measure might simply be the tip of the iceberg.

In fact, we are also slowly coming to realise that women often lead the way when it comes to sustainable practices in agriculture and food production. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has estimated that if women had equal access to productive resources as men, farm yields would increase by about 20-30%, and overall productivity in developing countries by 4%- which would have a significant impact globally.

Economic survey for the year 2017-2018 released by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India has introduced the term “feminisation of the agriculture sector” to highlight the growing contribution from female cultivators and entrepreneurs in the face of increased rural to urban migration. The press release also highlights initiatives to encourage women in agriculture and provide them with the right kind of support. The survey suggests an “inclusive transformative agricultural policy” that provides gender-specific interventions to increase productivity and recognize women as “active agents” of our food production system and rural transformation.

But its not just in India that we are looking at the role of women in agriculture to understand past grievances better and make amends for them. Many initiatives have been established world over to provide female agriculturists with the spotlight they long deserved. This International Women’s Day, here are some notable projects from across the globe. Do share and support their work in any form you can.

–> Africa : The African Woman in Agricultural Research and Development

Founded in 2008, The African Woman in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) awards fellowships to African women in agricultural sciences and supports gender-responsive agrarian innovation AWARD aims to help 10 per cent of female scientists from 11 sub-Saharan African countries, giving them the opportunity to work on cutting edge solutions for agrarian issues. For more information visit – https://awardfellowships.org/

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153690031986411&set=gm.1704081309803270&type=1&theater
Image Courtesy: Zambian Women in Agricultural Research and Development (ZAWARD) Facebook Page

–> United States : The Female Farmer Project™

Real farmers, real pictures and real stories. The Female Farmer Project™ documents farmer stories through podcasts, photos, and personal essays. Writer, photographer, and documentarian Audra Mulkern founded this multi-platform project to showcase the struggles, triumphs and the many accomplishments of female farmers across the United States. Listen to the podcast, simply browse the website for compelling images or read powerful stories that show you what it means to be changing our food system in today’s challenging world. My favourite is The Good Daughter by Viki cha.

Along with North By Northwest Studio The Female Farmer Project™ is now working on a documentary film – Women’s Work. Watch the trailer here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhO2USihAQ-/

–> Australia : The Invisible Farmer Project

A three year project (2017-2020), The Invisible Farmer Project is Australia’s largest study of women in agriculture funded by the Australian Research Council. Documenting stories across the country, the project aims to showcase and recognize the invisible farmers and share their journey. The project not only provides an in-depth analysis of women in agriculture, but it is also working on funding educational programs for high school students and encouraging community involvement and outreach.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp-7ZS5gWYC/

–> Europe : Innvovation Award For Women Farmers 2018

Awarded by the COPA-COGECA ( Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations-General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives ), the Innovation Award For Women Farmers; 2018 was its fifth edition. Participating farmers in this competition present innovative solutions for agricultural issues. For example, Magdalena Węgiel from Poland who won this award in the aquaculture category is a trout breeder working on restoring the brown trout species. A challenging fish to grow, Brown trout constitutes only about 2% of trout farms across Poland. “Trout Ojcowski”- the name of this project aims to encourage ethical breeding using natural methods of aquaculture.

https://www.facebook.com/copacogecaEU/photos/a.1557805061155108/2201428866792721/?type=3&theater
Image Courtesy: COPA-COGECA Facebook Page

–> United Kingdom: Ladies In Beef

Promoting the quality of British beef, Ladies In Beef is a project initiated by women beef farmers. They encourage consumption of local meat and raise awareness towards issues relating to the beef industry. Women In Beef also promote traceable, safe food that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental protection by working alongside the Red Tractor– an organization that assures safe food standards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhKdJbVBYWL/

–> India : Women Farmers Day- October, 15

The Government of India has recognized the 15th of October as Women Farmers Day. Along with schemes and budget allocation for women in agriculture, the Government also aims to encourage women centric activities.

It is also important to mention here the work organizations like the Original Indian Table, Happy Roots and TARU Naturals are doing on ground to help women in agriculture. Farmers need the right kind of market and opportunities, especially women farmers in India. Original Indian Table, for example, sources agricultural products from farms solely owned and operated by women farmers. On their social media feed, you will frequently find posts about women farmers and their contributions.

Similarly, Happy Roots works with rural women cooperatives to process and manufacture products opening up newer markets for them among urban consumers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnx1IyNlp6R/

Women in agriculture have journeys that are so different, but in many ways, the challenges they face are so similar. Just like it’s not enough to set aside one day to celebrate the superwomen around us, it may no longer be enough to merely acknowledge the women who produce and supply our food. Time has come for us to show active support and make the invisible hands visible. If you come across a female farmer, entrepreneur or researcher, make sure you share their stories and encourage more people to support their endeavours.

On this day, as you step out to celebrate or wish each other- take a minute to express gratitude for the food that reaches your table. The woman who grow and make your food work tirelessly for it. Their labour of love is what you see on your plates.

Happy Women’s Day!

Featured Image Courtesy: Original Indian Table Facebook Page featuring
Women farmers from Sarmoli village in Munsiari, Uttarakhand