In the heart of Bangladesh, where the Padma River flows and the fields stretch out like a verdant carpet, women are the unsung heroes of the agricultural sector. They are the backbone of an industry that employs 45.33 percent of the total labour force and contributes 11.38 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet, their roles often go unnoticed, their contributions undervalued, and their challenges overlooked.
Women in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector are involved in a wide range of activities, from production to post-harvest processes like processing, packaging, and marketing. These activities are not just about putting food on the table; they are about ensuring food security, promoting economic sustainability, and maintaining safe food production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women’s work in these areas is indispensable for the well-being of rural communities.
However, despite their significant contributions, women face numerous challenges. Limited access to land, financial services, training, and modern technology are some of the hurdles they encounter, primarily due to entrenched social norms and gender biases. The Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2022 of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reveals that while 26.2 percent of women aged 15 and above are involved in agriculture, only 19.2 percent of men are. This shift, often referred to as the “feminisation of agriculture,” is a growing phenomenon as more women take on leadership roles in the sector.
The transformation has been driven by various factors, including the migration of men to urban areas in search of higher-paying jobs. As traditional farming becomes less lucrative, particularly in crop production, women are left to manage agricultural activities to support their families’ income. They are involved in livestock rearing, poultry farming, post-harvest operations, and seed preservation, playing a critical role in household nutrition and income.
One of the significant challenges women face is land ownership. According to the World Bank, only around 13 percent of women have sole or joint ownership of agricultural land, compared to 70 percent of men. This lack of control over land means women are unable to make independent decisions about farming practices, investments, or business opportunities. It also limits their access to financial support, as banks often require land as collateral for loans.
Financial exclusion is another major issue. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) reports that women in rural Bangladesh are 20 percent less likely to access formal credit than men. This financial barrier restricts women’s ability to invest in technology or agricultural inputs, limiting their productivity and income potential.
Access to modern agricultural inputs and technology is crucial for enhancing productivity. However, many women in rural Bangladesh are unable to access new technologies due to gender biases, lack of training, and limited mobility. According to the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB), less than 30 percent of rural women have received agricultural training, compared to over 70 percent of men. Without access to modern farming techniques, women remain stuck in subsistence farming, unable to increase yields or improve efficiency.
To address these challenges, several strategies must be implemented. Legal reforms are needed to ensure that women have equal access to land and property rights. The government should promote joint land ownership models and create gender-sensitive land registration processes. Empowering women through secure land tenure could significantly increase agricultural productivity, as women tend to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities.
Access to credit must also be improved. Financial institutions should develop gender-sensitive loan products tailored to the needs of women farmers, with lower collateral requirements and flexible repayment terms. The microcredit programme, which Bangladesh has pioneered, provides some microfinance loans to rural women. Additionally, the Bangladesh Bank should encourage gender-responsive banking practices and create schemes that prioritise women’s access to financial resources.
Access to modern agricultural inputs and technology is essential for increasing productivity. Several women-friendly technologies have been introduced in Bangladesh to ease the burden of agricultural work. Fodder chopper machines, Hermetic Storage Bags, and BAU-STR Dryers are examples of technologies that are making a significant impact on the lives of female farmers. Small-scale food processing and mechanised threshing are also considered women-friendly and affordable.
The government and NGOs should subsidise agricultural inputs for women farmers, including solar panel-based irrigation. Agricultural extension services should be restructured to be more inclusive of women, offering training programmes that cater to their specific needs. Female extension officers can help connect women farmers to resources and provide tailored advice on farming techniques, climate-smart practices, and pest management.
Education and training are crucial for enhancing women’s agricultural productivity. Agricultural training programmes should be designed to address the specific needs of women, offering flexible schedules and locations. In addition to farming skills, women should be trained in business management, marketing, and financial literacy
