Challenges Faced by Women in Agriculture
- Limited Access to Resources: one of the primary challenges faced by women in agriculture is limited access to essential resources such as land, water, and agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, and tools).
- Lack of Financial Support and Credit: Women farmers often struggle to access financial services such as credit, loans, and insurance, which are necessary for scaling up their agricultural activities.
- Cultural and Social Barriers: In many rural Somali communities, traditional gender norms restrict women’s participation in decision-making processes.
- Limited Access to Education and Training: while women play a significant role in agriculture, they often lack access to the necessary education and training that would allow them to adopt modern, sustainable farming practices.
- Climate Change and Environmental Challenges: Somalia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and market access, limits women’s ability to efficiently transport and sell their agricultural produce. Without proper storage facilities, women’s crops are at risk of spoilage, leading to losses in income.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Women in agriculture are often exposed to health and safety risks, especially when working with livestock or in the fields. Limited access to healthcare services, inadequate sanitation, and long working hours contribute to poor health outcomes.
- Conflict and Insecurity: Political instability and conflict in Somalia significantly affect agricultural activities, especially in rural areas. In conflict zones, women’s access to land, resources, and agricultural markets becomes even more difficult, while their safety and security are often at risk.
- Gender Inequality in Agricultural Policies: Although women contribute immensely to agriculture, they are often excluded from policy discussions and decision-making processes that impact the sector.
- Time Constraints and Household Responsibilities: Women in rural Somalia often juggle multiple roles, including agricultural work, household chores, and childcare.