Supporting women smallholder farmers: the role of the public and private sectors

Publication date: 06-10-2025
Extent: 12 pages

Contributions by: Margaret Alston, University of Newcastle and Monash University, Australia; and Zhaoen Pan, Monash University, Australia

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter examines the barriers facing women who re smallholder farmers or who produce a niche product on a larger farm. The most critical barrier for women wanting a career in agriculture is a lack of land ownership and the difficulties associated with proving their capacity. Their lack of access is shaped by tradition, by inheritance practices, by the reluctance of institutions such as banks to engage with women and by various structural arrangements that preclude women's entry to agriculture. Drawing on a study of sixteen women recognised as national or state level agricultural leaders, we outline the barriers facing women and the types of policies, strategies and supports needed to facilitate women smallholder farmers.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0148.22