In the fight against climate change, sustainable agriculture has emerged as a critical focus. Agri-environmental and climate schemes (AECS) aim to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices, encouraging farmers to adopt greener methods. But what role does gender play in this transition? Our recent study sheds light on how women-led farms contribute to environmentally sustainable practices, particularly in the context of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Gender and Sustainability: A Crucial Intersection
Sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing chemical use, protecting biodiversity, and conserving water, are essential in combating climate change. We find that the success of these practices depends heavily on gender dynamics. Women-led farms, despite facing challenges related to access to resources, are often more environmentally conscious and proactive in adopting AECS measures compared to their male counterparts.
We focuse on Slovenian farms, exploring the differences between male- and female-headed farms in adopting AECS. It finds that women farmers play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices, contributing to both environmental resilience and the rural economy.
The Role of Agri-Environmental and Climate Schemes
Agri-environmental and climate schemes (AECS) are voluntary measures introduced by the EU’s CAP to encourage farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. These schemes provide subsidies to farmers who implement sustainable measures on their land, such as organic farming, afforestation, and soil conservation.
We examine how gender influences the adoption and intensity of AECS measures. They found that farms led by women had higher adoption rates of these schemes and received more AECS subsidies per hectare than those led by men. This suggests that women-headed farms are not only more likely to participate in green initiatives but also commit more intensively to these practices.
The Gender Gap in Agriculture
Despite these promising findings, the study also highlights a significant gender gap in agricultural resources. Women-headed farms in Slovenia, on average, have less land, fewer financial resources, and receive smaller total CAP subsidies than male-headed farms. However, women make more efficient use of the resources available to them, particularly when it comes to implementing environmentally friendly practices.
The study’s findings are backed by data from Slovenia’s Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), which tracks farm-level data across various agricultural holdings. This dataset revealed that female-headed farms, despite their smaller size, received more AECS subsidies per hectare, reflecting a stronger commitment to sustainability.
What Drives Women’s Participation in AECS?
Several factors explain why women-headed farms are more likely to adopt AECS measures:
Environmental Awareness: Female farmers often exhibit higher environmental consciousness, driven by a desire to protect the land for future generations.
Access to Information: Women farmers who engage in knowledge-sharing networks, such as agricultural cooperatives or extension services, are more likely to adopt sustainable practices.
Green Entrepreneurship: Many women-headed farms embrace green entrepreneurship, which combines sustainable farming practices with innovative business models. This approach not only improves farm sustainability but also boosts local economies.
Policy Implications: Supporting Women in Agriculture
The research has significant implications for agricultural policy in the EU and beyond. To close the gender gap in farming and enhance the adoption of sustainable practices, policymakers must take action to support women farmers. This includes:
Providing targeted financial support: Increasing access to credit and subsidies for women-headed farms can help them overcome resource limitations and invest in sustainable technologies.
Encouraging education and training: Providing women farmers with access to education and training in sustainable practices can empower them to adopt green technologies and lead the transition to eco-friendly farming.
Promoting gender equality in agriculture: Ensuring that women have equal access to land, resources, and decision-making roles in agriculture is essential for promoting sustainable rural development.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for Sustainable Farming
Empowering women in agriculture is not only a matter of gender equality but also a critical step toward achieving environmental sustainability. The findings highlight the importance of women-led farms in driving the adoption of eco-friendly practices. By supporting women farmers through targeted policies, training, and financial resources, the agricultural sector can accelerate its transition toward a greener future.
As the world faces growing environmental challenges, the role of women in sustainable agriculture will only become more important. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainability offer a blueprint for the future of farming—one that balances economic productivity with environmental stewardship.
Fertő, I., & Bojnec, Š. (2024). Empowering women in sustainable agriculture. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 7110.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57933-y
