Document Abstract
Published:
1 Nov 2010
Agricultural livelihoods and nutrition - exploring the links with women in Zambia
This article examines women's agricultural livelihoods, food security and nutrition in five villages across three districts in the Western Province, Zambia in 2009. The aim of the research commissioned by Concern Worldwide (UK) was to better inform development policy and practice in this area, especially in the aftermath of the food crisis in 2007 – 2008. Women's farming activities are very important to food security but because women are often subsistence farmers they are frequently overlooked within the broader agricultural sector, further entrenching their poverty. This article explores challenges, opportunities and options available to marginal women farmers, as well as exploring alternative livelihood options that may be more successful.
The first part of the report looks at the links between rural women's livelihoods and household nutrition. A number of common themes emerge, such as: women's time spent on piece-work and crop production can impact negatively on child care and feeding; time spent on piece-work can also impact negatively on food production; and what is grown in the villages has a direct impact on diet. The second part looks at the role institutions play in shaping livelihood opportunities for marginal women farmers. Many women interviewed had little knowledge of possible agricultural support available to them, for example, via the Area Farmers' Associations (AFA). National agriculture programmes are also difficult for women to access, for example, the Fertiliser Support Programme only subsidises fertiliser purchase, so the benefits remain out of reach for poorer farmers who can’t pay event the reduced cost. Also interviews with agency officials showed that women were perceived as having little decision-making control, so adjusting policies or practices to their needs was not considered worthwhile. There was a lack of will to challenge traditional patriarchal decision-making structures.
In conclusion, most women in this region perceived agriculture as the chief means to meet food security needs. This is largely a reflection of the limited knowledge or existence of viable alternative livelihood options. The authors suggest that support for rural women's farming activities is very important and highlights the need for better access to support mechanisms as well as policies that are tailored to meet the needs of women farmers. They also suggest better collaboration between the various government social welfare policies and mechanisms so that they are mutually reinforcing, and take into account the multiple roles and challenges faced by women as producers and care-givers. For example, health and education services frequently accessed by women could also provide an access point for livelihoods support.
The first part of the report looks at the links between rural women's livelihoods and household nutrition. A number of common themes emerge, such as: women's time spent on piece-work and crop production can impact negatively on child care and feeding; time spent on piece-work can also impact negatively on food production; and what is grown in the villages has a direct impact on diet. The second part looks at the role institutions play in shaping livelihood opportunities for marginal women farmers. Many women interviewed had little knowledge of possible agricultural support available to them, for example, via the Area Farmers' Associations (AFA). National agriculture programmes are also difficult for women to access, for example, the Fertiliser Support Programme only subsidises fertiliser purchase, so the benefits remain out of reach for poorer farmers who can’t pay event the reduced cost. Also interviews with agency officials showed that women were perceived as having little decision-making control, so adjusting policies or practices to their needs was not considered worthwhile. There was a lack of will to challenge traditional patriarchal decision-making structures.
In conclusion, most women in this region perceived agriculture as the chief means to meet food security needs. This is largely a reflection of the limited knowledge or existence of viable alternative livelihood options. The authors suggest that support for rural women's farming activities is very important and highlights the need for better access to support mechanisms as well as policies that are tailored to meet the needs of women farmers. They also suggest better collaboration between the various government social welfare policies and mechanisms so that they are mutually reinforcing, and take into account the multiple roles and challenges faced by women as producers and care-givers. For example, health and education services frequently accessed by women could also provide an access point for livelihoods support.
