Women farmers hold key to tackling hunger
30 October 2009
As producers of 60 - 80% of food in most poor countries, women farmers hold the key to addressing hunger and malnutrition.
However, policies designed to address hunger still fail to acknowledge the crucial role poor women farmers play. According to a new report by Concern Worlwide, they are Often ignored.The report is called," Women Marginal Farmers Speak Out – A Zambian Case Study".
Calling for action
The report is calling on donors such as the UK government to commit to help poor women farmers. Concern asks that their demands are heard with support given to developing country governments in targeting their needs more effectively.
Dire circumstances
Ruchi Tripathi, co-author of the report and head of policy and campaigns at Concern Worldwide UK stated: “Hunger cannot be addressed without involving and supporting poor women farmers who currently make up the majority of the world’s hungry.
“I empathise with the women farmers in this report as, like me, they are juggling their care commitments with those of going out to earn money, or produce food. However, they are doing it in dire circumstances without any support. Efforts to end hunger must start by acknowledging and supporting women in their role as mothers, primary carers and farmers.”
Lack of finance
Rose Mubita, Concern partner and Chairperson of the Mongu District Farmers’ Association in Zambia says: “Farming is the main way for households to get food in Western province in Zambia. My association works with poor farmers in Mongu, but aren’t able to reach the poorest women due to lack of finance.
“They are the ones who are growing the crops and cooking the food to feed their families, yet often are forced to go to bed hungry. I am urging the UK government and the Zambian government to reach out to the women farmers.”
