Women contribute significantly to agricultural production in Africa, but the majority have no control over critical resources like land, extension services, credit, and improved technology. Poverty reduction strategies and the elimination of household inequalities in agricultural production in Africa, therefore, require increased attention to gender differences in rights, responsibilities, and access to productive resources.

Core argument:

The paper finds no substitute for property rights and gender-balanced policies as precursors for greatly reduced poverty, hunger, and general suffering. It equally holds in doubt the ability of any organization—world or national, religious or secular—to accomplish as much in the absence of those basic and gender-balanced rights.

Repercussions of diminished rights:

Women’s predominant role in agriculture and family welfare, and their close interaction with the environment, mean that there are potential repercussions for Africa’s food sector and the environment in light of the diminished rights to productive resources faced by women farmers.

Policy recommendations:

Policies that can accord women access to and security of tenure, improved access to markets, education (particularly the education of girls), and health, while ensuring macroeconomic stability, would be a win-win-win situation because they could lead to more growth, less poverty, and improved resource management.