Introduction

This unit explores the important role women play in agriculture —specifically, their contribution to food nutrition and food security. You will learn about some traditional and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques still practised by small-scale and subsistence agricultural producers, most of whom are women.

We will also take a critical look at:

• some modern agricultural practices that can be considered climate-smart agriculture techniques,
• some modern practices that have negative impacts for women in particular,
• some household-based agricultural preservation and processing practices, and
• traditional practices for home medicines and the importance of these women-led practices.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• recognise traditional and modern techniques adapted by women across the world in response to local climate and weather fluctuations, and
• recognise women’s role in producing and procuring food.

Terminology

Subsistence:  A type of livelihood that is based on obtaining the minimum necessities of life.

Traditional:  Actions and practices from the past that have stood the test of time.

Examples of traditional practices in agriculture include polyculture (combining a variety of agricultural practices such as a nursery for seedlings, rearing freshwater fish and planting trees as windbreaks); intercropping (growing different crops mixed with each other); mixing crop and animal farming; crop rotation (planting different crops in different seasons); making organic compost by incorporating farm waste into soil to promote soil health; and harvesting rain in covered barrels.

Modern:  Actions or practices established in the present or in recent times.

Climate-smart agriculture:  Technical, economic, social and environmental actions in agriculture that increase productivity and incomes, increase resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Examples include drought-tolerant crop species developed through crop breeding; community ponds in farming areas to save water to use during prolonged dry periods; flood-tolerant crop species developed through crop breeding; improved drainage systems on agricultural lands and farms, including regular desilting to alleviate flood risk; elevated flood havens; designated evacuation routes for livestock; and the use of bio-stimulants, beneficial micro-organisms and improved crop varieties to enhance crop production in stressful conditions.

Food security:  Occurs when people have regular and long-term access to sufficient, affordable, safe and nutritious food that meets their basic needs and preferences for a healthy life.

Food nutrition:  Occurs when there is a diet that provides the essential substances to support a healthy life.

Food processing:  Turning agricultural products into other forms of foods by washing, chopping, grinding, cooking, pasteurising, freezing, fermenting and packaging them.

Food preservation:  Actions to extend the shelf life of food by preventing spoilage.