Briefing Paper

Gender Dimensions of Science and Technology African Women in Agriculture

“African governments and international partners have made a commitment to women’s and girls’ access and participation to science and technology. This paper will concern itself specifically with the plight of African women in agriculture because they comprise approximately 70% of sub-Saharan agricultural workers, and also account for about 80% of food processors. While more women than men are managers of natural resources, they are disadvantaged relative to men in terms of land ownership, access to education, access to extension services, and access to credit. The disparity between women’s important role in providing food security, and their poor representation in access to agricultural services indicates that there is scope for improving their contribution to the agricultural sector.”