International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

• Origin: This follows a resolution proposed by the United States and supported by the FAO.
• Objectives:
  • Highlight the crucial role of women farmers in food security, nutrition, and poverty eradication.
  • Address the challenges faced by women farmers.
  • Promote gender equality and empower women in agriculture.
  • Emphasize the importance of rural and peasant women in supporting families and economies.

ENACT Project in Assam

• Project Name: ENACT (Enhancing Climate Adaptation of Vulnerable Communities through Nature-based Solutions and Gender Transformative Approaches).
• Location: Nagaon, Assam, India.
• Implementers: WFP in partnership with the Government of Assam.
• Funding: Government of Norway (under its strategy to promote self-sufficiency in food production and strengthen women’s rights and their role in food production).
• Aim: Empower smallholder farmers, particularly women, to access climate-related information and make informed decisions to enhance their resilience.

Role of Women in Global Agriculture

• Global Food Supply: Nearly half the global food supply is made possible by the contributions of women.
• Developing Countries: Women are responsible for 60% to 80% of food production in developing countries.
• South Asia: Women account for 39% of the agricultural labor.

Challenges and Inequalities Faced by Women Farmers in India

• Agricultural Workforce: Approximately 80% of economically active women are employed in agriculture.
• Land Ownership:
  • Significantly lower than men.
  • Only 14% of landowners are women.
  • According to the latest National Family Health Survey, female land ownership is even lower, at 8.3%.
• Access to Credit & Finance: Lack of land ownership makes it difficult to obtain credit and limits access to financial institutions.
• Access to Technology & Information:
  • More limited access to technology, such as mobile phones.
  • Hinders access to regular information on agricultural planning and advisory.
• Investment & Livelihood Improvements: Obstacles hinder investments, technology adoption, and improvements in livelihoods.
• Loan Sufficiency: While microfinance and self-help groups provide some access, such loans are often insufficient for significant investments.

Government of India Initiatives

• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: Aims to upgrade skills and increase resource access for women.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Offers 50% to 80% subsidies for machinery.

Climate Change and Women Farmers

• Disproportionate Impact: Climate change disproportionately affects women farmers.
• Increased Responsibilities: Increases their domestic responsibilities.
• Elevated Risks: Elevates their exposure to agricultural risks.
• Solution: Engaging with women farmers can lead to the development of replicable models of climate adaptation at the village and community levels.

(Source: TH)