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Agriculture plays a fundamental role in supporting economies and feeding populations around the world, yet the experiences and contributions of women and marginalized groups in this field are often overlooked. This book, "Gender Sensitization and Empowerment in Agriculture", aims to highlight these issues by examining how gender dynamics affect agricultural practices and outcomes. Through a detailed analysis of various case studies, research f indings, and real-life examples, the book reveals the unique challenges faced by women farmers and other underrepresented groups. It also explores how gender-sensitive policies and practices can address these challenges, promoting greater equity and efficiency within agricultural systems. Understanding and addressing gender differences in agriculture is crucial for creating more sustainable and just farming communities. By focusing on gender sensitization and empowerment, this book seeks to demonstrate how inclusive approaches can lead to better agricultural practices and improved livelihoods for all. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who are working to integrate gender considerations into their agricultural development efforts. The ultimate goal is to inspire actions that advance gender equality and ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute to and benefit from agricultural progress.

Sex Sex is the biological make-up of male and female human beings. It is biological difference between men and women. Sex is universal, permeant, Biological. John money draw the distinction between the biological differences and behavioural characteristics that differentiates male and Female. First person used Gender opposite to sex. Founder of Gender Identity clinic at John Hopkins University in the Baltimore in US in 1966. Gender First used by anna Oakley. It is neutral term, dynamic, change over time and place. It is a socially constructed roles and responsibilities assigned to men and women in a given society. It refers to socio-cultural differences between males and females. Gender determines what is expected, allowed and valued in a woman / man in different contexts. In simple words, gender refers to the set of relationships between men and women at a particular point of time in a given society Gender Blindness It is the failure to recognize that gender as an essential determinant of social outcomes impacting projects and policies. Gender-blind policy ignores the different situation, roles, needs and interests of women, men, girls and boys.  

The Indian farm women have extensive workloads with triple responsibility for farm, household and community. Gradually their work is becoming harder due to climate change, degradation of natural resources, natural calamities, male migration and changing agricultural technologies. Women are extensively involved in crop production, horticulture, livestock management, post harvest operation, fisheries, agroforestry and household activities. Majority of their time is devoted towards collection of fuel, fodder and water, growing vegetables in homestead and rearing backyard poultry. They also considerably contribute for household income as agriculture wage earners and through cottage industry. Women play a significant and crucial role in agricultural development and allied fields. The nature and extent of women’s involvement in agriculture varies greatly from region to region. But regardless of these variations, women are actively involved in various agricultural activities. As per Census 2011, out of total female main workers, 55 per cent were agricultural labourers and 24 per cent were cultivators. However, only 12.8 per cent of the operational holdings were owned by women, which reflect the gender disparity in ownership of landholdings in agriculture. Moreover, there is concentration of operational holdings (25.7 per cent) by women in the marginal and small holdings categories. Worker Population Ratio (WPR) of women (24 %) is lower as against men (54.4 %) in the country. The workforce participation rate for rural females is higher at 30.5 percent against urban women participation rate of 20.20 percent (Mo SPI, 2022-23). As per the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2022-23, agriculture had the highest estimated percentage distribution of female workers, ie. 64.3 %, with 76.2 % in rural areas and 11.7 % in urban areas.

Introduction Women perform two-thirds of the world’s work hours, yet are poor in resources and are poorly represented in positions of power. Most of the low-income women in developing countries are primarily employed in agriculture, but many literatures show that men have been the primary adopters and shapers of agricultural technologies. These inequalities are seen in all parts of the world. Without acknowledging gender inequalities, economic development and globalization cannot be achieved. Gender bias is a universal phenomenon and there are a number of issues that farm women face. Importance of Gender Mainstreaming in Agriculture Indian Women spend 354 minutes a day, compared to 36 minutes a day by men, on household activities including cooking and child care. In developing countries, nearly 75 - 80 percent of women are involved in agriculture. They face gender issues in land ownership, access to credit, market, technology, seed, water, information, education and other services. NSSO survey (2010) revealed that 40% of male farmers want to quit farming due to less profitability. Gradually, male farmers are migrating to earn from non-farming activities. In this situation, women have to look after household as well as farming activities.

Gender analysis is the first and the foremost critical step towards gender responsive planning and programming. It involves collection and analysis of sex disaggregated information. It examines the differences, commonalties and interactions between women and men. Gender analysis examines women’s and men’s specific activities, conditions, needs, access to and control over resources, access to development benefits and decision-making. Gender analysis helps to clarify the specific and often different capacities, vulnerabilities, needs and coping strategies of men and women, and indicates where opportunities for targeting effective strategies lie. Established patterns of gender inequality and inequity can be explored, exposed and addressed. This may provide opportunities and entry points to develop programs that support efforts to build more equitable gender relations. It aims to achieve positive change for women. Elements of Gender Analysis a) Natural: Land, water, forests, rivers etc. b) Economic: Work opportunities, wages and remuneration, remittance, credit and production inputs. c) Social: Formal and informal education and social services- religion and cultural norms like dress, defining private and public spaces.

Introduction ‘Health is wealth’ is a common saying. Every individual should take care of his physical and mental health. During work performance, if an activity leads to any health problem it is referred to as an occupational health hazard, which needs urgent attention. In agriculture, occupational health problems sometimes amount to incurable diseases/disorders. Meaning of Occupational Health Hazards Occupational hazard is something that causes harm to a working person, in terms of injury or ill health, damage to property, workplace environment, or a combination of both. In India, farm women contribute as farmers, agricultural workers, and entrepreneurs. As per the 2012 census data, women’s share was 55%, which is projected to be 65% by 2025. They are the backbone of the agricultural rural economy but still are one of the most vulnerable groups. Though nowadays, mechanization is gaining importance due to various reasons, it has yet not reached farm women, who are still not recognized as ‘farmers’, and the machinery is designed to suit the men’s folk. The role of women in farming operations like transplanting, harvesting, post-harvest management, and packaging, which are drudgery-prone, are on the increase. Considering these facts, the tools’ designers should give due thought when designing agricultural tools and equipment, to address farm women’s drudgery.

Climate change significantly impacts agriculture, altering growing conditions, crop yields, and the livelihoods of farmers. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns can lead to more frequent and intense droughts, floods, and storms, which disrupt planting and harvesting schedules and reduce crop productivity. Changes in temperature and precipitation can also exacerbate pest and disease pressures, making it harder for farmers to protect their crops. Additionally, the increased frequency of extreme weather events can damage infrastructure and soil health, further challenging agricultural systems. These effects pose serious threats to food security, necessitating the development of climate-resilient farming practices and crop varieties, as well as policies that support sustainable agricultural development and climate adaptation. The climate change is not “gender neutral”. Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety. Climate change effect on women 1. Reduced Agricultural Productivity: Climate change leads to crop failures, reduced yields, and changed growing seasons, affecting women’s income and food security. 2. Increased Water Scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation lead to water scarcity, forcing women to travel farther for water, reducing their time for other activities. 3. Soil Erosion and Degradation: Flooding and erosion caused by climate change degrade soil quality, reducing fertility and affecting crop growth, further threatening women’s livelihoods.

Today, health promotion of the poor has emerged, worldwide, as a vital area for policy research and action. Healthcare is the responsibility of the constituent states and territories of India. Food security: Gender dimensions Standards have improved gradually over a period of years. But the burden of ill health is borne disproportionately by different population subgroups and people of lower socio-economic status, especially women, as they consistently experience poor health outcomes. Gender inequality leads to food insecurity and is also its leading cause. National food security is largely dependent on agricultural sector. The FAO articulates that food security is achieved when people at the individual, household, national, regional and global levels, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy and active life. Rural women rarely own a control land and lack access to agricultural inputs, technology, training, extension services and marketing services. Despite being major contributors to agricultural production, they have little or no access to the means of production. They face restrictions in mobility due to social conditions, hence face a narrower range of labour markets than men including harsh working conditions and lower wage rates.

Women empowerment refers to the process of enabling women to increase their control over their lives, resources, and decision-making power. It involves promoting gender equality, challenging gender stereotypes, and addressing the social, economic, and political barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential. The Government of India declared 2001 as the ‘Year of Women’s Empowerment and the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women came into force from 2001. The policy approaches that were underlined in this policy concerned gender equality. The policy proposed that the legal system be made responsive and gender sensitive to women’s needs. It stated that women should be economically and socially empowered through focused efforts. Women Empowerment has Several Dimensions 1. Economic Empowerment: Access to education, employment, credit, and other economic resources. 2. Political Empowerment: Participation in decision-making processes, leadership positions, and political representation. 3. Social Empowerment: Challenging gender stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and addressing social norms that limit women’s potential. 4. Legal Empowerment: Access to justice, legal rights, and protection from discrimination and violence. 5. Psychological Empowerment: Building self-esteem, confidence, and self-reliance.

The Digital India campaign of the Government with special emphasis being laid on digital financial transactions and cloud technologies will go a long way in the evolution of better services and amenities for women, especially in agricultural domains. Empowering women in agriculture through digital technologies can significantly enhance their productivity, economic opportunities, and overall well-being. Here are key strategies and areas to focus on: 1. Access to Information and Resources Digital Platforms: Utilize mobile apps and websites to provide women farmers with information on weather forecasts, crop management, pest control, and market prices. E-learning: Offer online training and tutorials on sustainable farming practices, financial management, and new agricultural technologies. 2. Financial Inclusion Mobile Banking: Promote mobile banking services to help women access credit, savings, and insurance products. Digital financial services can make it easier for women to manage their finances and invest in their farms.

The development discourse on women nationally and internationally as discussed above, moved from Women in Development (WID) to Gender and Development (GAD) and Women’s Empowerment. This was reflected in the Government Plans and Policy Documents in their journey through more than six decades. Since independence many schemes were launched for the emancipation of women in the country. In the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-79), the development approach replaced the social welfare approach. This recognized women’s productive role and her contribution. The Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-85), is a landmark in the history of women’s development by emphasising on health, education and employment. In the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90) priority was given for programmes to improve the status of women. A major development for the empowerment of women was the 73rd constitutional amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act in 1993. This amendment specified that one-third of the posts of Sarpanch and Chairman of the block level assemblies (Samiti) and the district assembly (Zila Parishad) will be women. Today, mobilization of women’s groups particularly in rural areas has become a major strategy in bringing them into the public domain, developing leadership and increasing their access to resources. Indian women have higher visibility in the national and state policies.

In India, several institutions are working towards women’s empowerment and gender equality. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal agency responsible for promoting women’s rights and empowerment. The National Commission for Women (NCW) is another statutory body that works to protect and promote women’s rights. Additionally, there are various autonomous organizations such as the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), and the Women’s Technology Park (WTP) that provide training and support to women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, there are numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), and the YWCA of India that work towards women’s empowerment and gender equality. These institutions provide a range of services including education, healthcare, legal aid, and economic empowerment programs to support women’s development and well-being.