International Women ’s Day, 2021Removing Barriers to Women’s Leading Role in African Agriculture

Nteranya Sanginga in the field. Credit: IITABy Nteranya SangingaIBADAN, Nigeria, Mar 4 2021 (IPS) Africa’s population will double by 2050 if growth rates continue their trajectory, but the creation of jobs is not keeping pace, with up to five times more young people seeking employment each year as there are new posts to fill. And, on top of this, the COVID pandemic is plunging Africa into its first recession in 25 years. But once again agriculture is demonstrating its crucial importance in times of crisis. A recent World Bank survey of five African countries showed that more people are turning to agriculture because of the economic impacts of the pandemic: “There is evidence that the agriculture sector is serving as a buffer for low-income households in the region, similar to the role it played during the 2008 global economic crisis.” In Ethiopia for example, 41% of households that received income from agriculture in the last 12 months reported a loss of income. But 85% of households experienced income loss from non-farm family business and 63% reported a decrease in remittances. With a larger population relying on agriculture both for food security and as a source of livelihood, women and youth will play a particularly critical role in the development of farming in sub-Saharan Africa where 40% to 60% of all employed women work in agriculture. With shifting demographics, it is important that we examine the role women and youth play in ensuring food security in sub-S...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Africa Development & Aid Economy & Trade Education Featured Food & Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition Gender Headlines Health Humanitarian Emergencies Labour Population TerraViva United Nations Women & Economy Internatio Source Type: news