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Women in Agriculture

1,522 views · Published 1 December 2014 · 59:46 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: World Bank Group · 2014 · Nonprofits & Activism

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This panel discussion looks at women’s role in agriculture across the Pacific region. Panellists include Christie Chang, Agricultural Economist, University of New England; Randy Stringer, Professor of Agriculture and Food Policy, University of Adelaide and; Amy Luinstra, Senior Gender Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

In many developing nations, the significant contribution women make in agriculture is consistently undervalued, and opportunities for growth are stifled. Across regions, despite the fact that they are just as efficient as men and account for almost half of the global agricultural workforce, females have less access to productive resources and opportunities than men and are often paid significantly less, if at all.

In the Pacific, even though women hold an essential role in the agricultural sector, they are often excluded from local authority decision-making in the management of markets, and don’t have control over the land they work on, or other assets. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that equalising access to productive resources could increase agricultural output by 2.5 to 4 percent; representing a missed opportunity for both men and women.

Throughout the discussion, panellists look at the current situation and share ideas on best practice, how to give women a voice and how to ensure that the challenges and opportunities presented by the growth of modern supply-chains are met and fully realized. The recently released IFC report – The Fruit of Her Labour which analyses the role of women in agriculture in Papua New Guinea – is also discussed.

Recorded: Friday 21 November 2014
Moderator: Bronwyn Adcock

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