Women in Agriculture – Lack of Access to Resources (An Analytical Studyof District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan)

International Journal of Economics and Management Studies

© 2018 by SSRG - IJEMS Journal

Volume 5 Issue 10

Year of Publication : 2018

Authors : Saira Akhtar, Shazia Ramzan, Shabbir Ahmad, Wu Huifang, Shakeel Imran, and Haroon Yousaf

10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V5I10P103

How to Cite?

Saira Akhtar, Shazia Ramzan, Shabbir Ahmad, Wu Huifang, Shakeel Imran, and Haroon Yousaf, "Women in Agriculture – Lack of Access to Resources (An Analytical Studyof District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan)," SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, vol. 5,  no. 10, pp. 16-24, 2018. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V5I10P103

Abstract:

The decent work deficit for women in agriculture sector is especially pronounced. One responsible factor is the traditional gender regime which is denying women access to resources almost in every field of life not particularly in the agricultural field. This research paper tries to identify the barriers which hinder the access of women to resources, analyses their impact and explores strategies for overcoming these barriers. Global ratio of women working in agriculture sector is around 43 % which approaches to 70 % in the developing countries, and 80 % in food deficient countries. In the agriculture sector, women in Pakistan are working in cotton, vegetable, maize, tunnel farming, and livestock sub-sectors etc. Women’s contribution varies but provides crucial labor in various activities ranging from planting to harvesting and post-harvest operations. Unfortunately, women work in agriculture is in fact not only taken for granted but also badly ignored due to social, traditional and cultural factors. Their “say” also remains unnoticed while making policies and strategies for agriculture. There is a great need of the support of government to understand the risks and dangers women face while working in the farming sector. It is necessary to include them as agriculture farmers in policies and strategies if improvement is required in the agriculture sector. There is a need to support their enhanced role in decision making, marketing, and management and training programs for their skill enhancement. If effectively engaged and acknowledged, women labor force can be a game changer for the agriculture sector of Pakistan.

Keywords:

Access, Agriculture, Resources, Women, Livelihood, Labor Policy, Decent Work

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