Women in agriculture have been behind the scenes for countless years, supporting the farm, but without recognition.

This was highlighted by the Acting Head of Agriculture Operations and Services, Dr Tekini Nakidakida while addressing the 24 participants at the two-day Gender in Agriculture Policy workshop at the Ministry of Agriculture Headquarters in Raiwaqa this week.

“According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, in developing nations, if women worldwide had the same access as men to information, land, improved technologies, financing and markets, they could increase their agricultural yields by up to 30 per cent and lift more than 100 million people out of hunger. By investing in women, we truly strengthen the economy for everyone,” said Dr Nakidakida.

He said the Ministry will continue to recognize the contribution of women in the agriculture sector, who represent 14% of our farmers, and this was highlighted in the 5-year Strategic Development Plan of the Ministry which resulted in the formulation of the Gender in Agriculture Policy which was launched in 2022 as a product of the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census findings and analysis. 

“Reaching for gender equality in agriculture is an important step towards acknowledging the full rights of both women and men, in a sector of the Fijian economy that is a basis for food security, livelihoods and economic growth, including through tourism and trade,” he added.

This workshop is designed to teach Ministry personnel about the policy and its strategy for gender equality across the divisions through planned activities, and this is necessary for the policy to be successful and produce desirable outcomes. 

The 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census recognized women's contribution to the agriculture sector, with 14% of farmers in Fiji being women, 55% of total female farmers owning mobile phones, 40% of total female farmers having a savings account and 5% of total crop production being contributed by female agriculture household heads. 

“During this financial year (2022/2023), the Ministry of Agriculture has provided close to 500 women and women's groups with nursery materials, planting materials, farm implements, and other farming inputs through the Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (CADP).”  

“These results reflect the Ministry's commitment to the Gender Responsive Budget Programme, which was achieved through the coordination of the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning and Development and Statistics and the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation,” he said.   

This financial year, the Ministry has piloted the GRB tool on two programmes, the Poultry Extension and Vanilla Farming Programme, and has recommended three further programmes, the Apiculture Industry Programme, Coconut Farming Program and Post-Harvest Loss for the next financial year.

“The Ministry will continue to ensure that women have the equal opportunities and support they need to participate, lead and succeed in the agriculture sector. Let’s keep empowering women to reach greater heights,” he said.

Dr Nakidakida expressed appreciation for the unwavering technical and financial support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) team in additional projects and capacity-building programs. 

-Ends-

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