Int’l Women days – a closer real look

My LinkedIn feed is full of Woman Heroes . It is it no co-incidence (for me) that Intl Women days coincides with the Jewish Holiday of Purim. And we read the Book of Ester. A women who called for unity. While we have internal divisions, wars and more, I think to today it is incumbent to reflect on op the nearly 300 million women who are small farm holders and live in poverty.

So, let’s have a closer a look at women workers as small farm holders. For this I went to Chat GPT and asked a few questions.

How many small farmer holders are there and how many people of dependent on them?

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), there are an estimated 500 million smallholder farmers globally. Smallholder farmers are defined as farmers who cultivate less than five hectares of land, and they are typically characterized by their reliance on family labor and their production of diverse crops for local consumption and sale

The number of people dependent on smallholder farmers is difficult to quantify precisely, as it varies depending on factors such as the region, crop production, and market access. However, it is estimated that smallholder farmers produce more than 80% of the food in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, and that approximately 2 billion people worldwide depend on smallholder agriculture for their livelihoods and food security. This includes not only the farmers themselves but also their families and communities, as well as the millions of people who work in the food processing, transportation, and retail sectors that support smallholder agriculture.

How many woman work as Small farmer holders in Africa and Asia

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), women play a critical role in smallholder agriculture in both regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up about 50 percent of the agricultural labor force, while in Asia and the Pacific, women make up about 60 percent of the agricultural labor force.

Furthermore, according to a report by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), women account for 43 percent of the agricultural labor force in developing countries and contribute significantly to food production and income generation for their households. In many cases, women are the primary cultivators of staple crops and play a critical role in ensuring food security for their families and communities.

While I don't have specific numbers on the number of women who work as smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia, it's clear that women are a crucial part of the agricultural workforce in these regions and play a critical role in ensuring food security and rural development.

What is the economic and social status of these women in small farmer holders

The economic and social status of women in smallholder farming varies depending on the specific context and region. In many cases, women face significant challenges and inequalities in terms of access to resources, services, and markets, which can limit their economic and social opportunities.

Economically, women smallholder farmers often have limited access to land, credit, and technology, which can constrain their productivity and income-generating potential. They may also face discrimination in markets and value chains, which can limit their ability to sell their products at fair prices.

Socially, women smallholder farmers may face barriers to education and training, which can limit their skills and knowledge. They may also face cultural and social norms that restrict their mobility and participation in decision-making processes.

However, there are also many examples of initiatives and programs that aim to support and empower women smallholder farmers. For example, organizations such as the FAO and IFAD have programs focused on improving women's access to land, credit, and technology, and strengthening their participation in markets and value chains. Additionally, there are many community-based organizations and women's groups that provide training and support to women smallholder farmers, helping to improve their economic and social status.

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How can the Financial income for these small farmers be improved?

Improving the financial income of smallholder farmers is a complex challenge that requires a range of interventions and strategies. Here are some ways in which the financial income of small farmers can be improved:

1. Access to credit: Smallholder farmers often have limited access to credit, which can constrain their ability to invest in their farms and increase their productivity. Improving access to credit, either through formal financial institutions or through community-based lending programs, can provide farmers with the financial resources they need to purchase inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and tools.

2. Market access: Smallholder farmers often face challenges in accessing markets, including lack of information about prices and demand, transportation and infrastructure constraints, and limited bargaining power. Improving market access through initiatives such as farmer cooperatives, value chain development, and market information systems can help small farmers connect with buyers and improve their incomes.

3. Technology adoption: Many smallholder farmers lack access to modern agricultural technologies and practices that can increase their productivity and yields. Promoting the adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient technologies, such as improved seeds, irrigation systems, and crop diversification, can help farmers increase their incomes.

4. Capacity building: Providing training and support to smallholder farmers on topics such as crop management, financial literacy, and marketing can help improve their knowledge and skills, and increase their ability to make informed decisions about their farms and businesses.

5. Policy and institutional support: Governments can play a critical role in supporting smallholder farmers through policies and institutions that provide incentives for investment in agriculture, protect farmers' rights, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Overall, improving the financial income of smallholder farmers requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the complex challenges facing these farmers and their communities.

Call of action

I am highlighting that now is the time for women to unite to help their impoverished sisters, We can make change . And one example is through Dream Valley (where I serve a CFO) https://www.dreamvalleyglobal.com

Dream Valley is redesigning the value chain from underdeveloped economies’ small-hold farmers to premium markets.

Pain: 97% of global farmers are smallholders (550m people), but supermarkets can’t access their produce. The value chain from these developing economy smallholders to premium markets is broken or missing.

Solution: Dream Valley’s “secret sauce” is the combined farming know-how and crop protection management experience, which, when combined, substantially improve yield quality and quantity. Fixing the Value Chain by providing access to premium markets

If you are inspired to make a difference , please reach out to me at : jeffrey@upgradingesg.com