Agriculture remains the backbone of The Gambia’s economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women make up nearly 70% of the agricultural workforce in the country. Their role is not only crucial for feeding their families but also for driving economic growth and community development. But why are so many Gambian women engaged in farming? Let’s explore the reasons behind this trend and the challenges they face.
1. Economic Necessity and Livelihood
For many women in The Gambia, farming is not just a profession; it is a means of survival. With limited job opportunities in other sectors, particularly in rural areas, agriculture provides an accessible and reliable source of income. Women engage in farming to support their families, sell surplus produce in local markets, and ensure household food security.
2. Traditional and Cultural Expectations
Culturally, Gambian women have historically been responsible for household food production. Farming, particularly subsistence farming, has been passed down through generations as part of their daily responsibilities. While men often focus on cash crops and livestock, women dominate subsistence farming, producing staple foods like rice, groundnuts, and vegetables. According to The Gambia Bureau of Statistics, women cultivate over 80% of rice fields in the country.
3. Contribution to Food Security
Women farmers play a critical role in reducing hunger and ensuring food availability in The Gambia. The crops they grow are essential for household consumption and contribute to the country’s overall food supply. Women’s agricultural activities contribute to about 50% of the country’s total food production, making their participation in agriculture vital for national development.
4. Horticulture and Small-Scale Agribusiness
Many Gambian women are also involved in horticulture and small-scale agribusiness. Through initiatives such as women-led cooperative farming and market gardening, they cultivate fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which they sell in both local and urban markets. These small agribusiness ventures help women gain financial independence and uplift their communities. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that women-led agribusinesses contribute to about 30% of the agricultural GDP in The Gambia.
5. Challenges Women Farmers Face
Despite their significant contribution to agriculture, women in The Gambia face numerous obstacles, including:
- Limited access to land ownership – Land inheritance laws and cultural norms often prevent women from owning farmland.
- Financial constraints – Many female farmers lack access to credit, making it difficult to invest in modern farming tools and equipment.
- Limited access to training and technology – Women farmers often rely on traditional farming methods, which may be less efficient than modern agricultural techniques.
- Climate change and environmental challenges – Unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and floods have a direct impact on crop yields. According to The Gambia National Agriculture Investment Plan, women-led farms are 25% more likely to suffer crop losses due to climate change compared to male-led farms.
6. The Path Forward: Supporting Women in Agriculture
To empower Gambian women in farming, there must be increased investment in gender-inclusive agricultural policies. This includes:
- Providing women with better access to land and financial resources
- Offering agricultural training and support programs
- Investing in women-led agribusiness initiatives
- Encouraging government and private sector support for female farmers
Conclusion
Women farmers are the unsung heroes of The Gambia’s agricultural sector. Their contributions go beyond food production; they are shaping economies, empowering communities, and driving social change. As the world moves towards gender equality in all sectors, it is essential to recognize, support, and invest in women farmers to ensure sustainable development and food security in The Gambia and across Africa.
