Barriers to Women's Engagement in Smart Agriculture Exposed

Strategic Insights -

A new study has shed light on the socio-economic and cultural factors that prevent women from participating in smart agriculture in Tanzania. The research, conducted by the Department of Gender Studies, examined the challenges faced by women maize farmers in Nyasa District, Tanzania. The study highlighted significant barriers to women's adaptive capacities, including limited access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs, as well as deeply entrenched cultural norms and gender roles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that women maize farmers in Nyasa District, Tanzania face significant challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs.
  • The research revealed that deeply entrenched cultural norms and gender roles restrict women's adaptive capacities and perpetuate gender disparities.
  • Barriers to smart agriculture adoption include exclusion from training programs, mobility constraints, and the high costs of technology.
  • The study recommends enhancing women's access to resources, developing inclusive training programs, and promoting community engagement to challenge cultural norms.
  • The research highlights the pressing need for gender-transformative approaches to climate adaptation policies and innovative agricultural interventions.

Statistics:

  • The study collected data from 50 women maize farmers and 10 agricultural extension officers through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.
  • The results revealed significant gaps in policy and institutional frameworks, including insufficient resources and weak implementation of gender-sensitive programs.
  • The study found that women's adaptive capacities are restricted by limited access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs, which are essential for smart agriculture adoption.
  • The research highlights the need for innovative agricultural initiatives that can better support women's resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.

Sources:

  • Cogent Social Sciences, 2025,11(1). (Cogent Social Sciences - http://cogentoa.tandfonline.com/journal/oass20)
  • Unpacking barriers to women maize farmers' engagement in climate-smart agriculture in rural Tanzania.
  • Taylor & Francis Group, 2025.