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Women in agriculture: A powerful force often overlooked
Women form a significant part of the rural labor force, with nearly 50% engaged in various forms of work. In 1992, they made up 25.8% of the agricultural sector, including fisheries and forestry. Their contributions extend across both cash crop and subsistence farming, small livestock raising, and certain aspects of fisheries. To sustain their families, many women cultivate kitchen gardens and grow essential root crops for daily consumption.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Philippine Fact Sheet, despite their crucial role, the division of labor in agriculture remains gendered. Men primarily handle land clearing and preparation, particularly for large-scale farming, while women take on planting, weeding, and harvesting. Post-harvest tasks such as threshing, processing, and marketing also fall largely under women’s responsibilities. In livestock farming, men typically manage cattle and water buffalo, whereas women oversee poultry and pig-raising. In fisheries, women play a key role in processing and selling the catch, a responsibility that has expanded with improved transportation networks. Alongside their agricultural duties, women also bear the bulk of household responsibilities. Decision-making in farming, however, remains largely male-dominated. While men often control financial decisions, such as credit and loans, women exert authority over seed selection, harvesting, storage, and food distribution. They also influence how household earnings are spent, balancing the needs of both sustenance and income. In some communities, financial decisions are shared, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive household management. As women continue to be a backbone of agriculture, recognizing and supporting their contributions is crucial for fostering economic growth and food security in rural communities. CropLife recognizes the contributions of women in the agriculture sector and encourages their participation in its stewardship programs to increase their capacity in the field. “Gone are the days that women were only relegated to housework because they are just as capable as their male counterparts in the field. We are committed to empower women to the best of our ability, and this is our commitment at CropLife,” said CLP Executive Director Ramon Abadilla. |
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