Closing the gender gap in agrifood systems can help reduce food insecurity and boost global GDP
Global efforts to close gender gaps in agrifood systems could significantly reduce food insecurity and boost economic growth, according to recent findings by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
A newly highlighted FAO analysis shows that eliminating disparities in farm productivity and wages between men and women could increase global GDP by around 1% while reducing food insecurity for nearly 45 million people worldwide.
Women play a critical role in global food systems, contributing substantially to agricultural labour and food production, particularly in developing regions. However, they continue to face structural barriers such as limited access to land, credit, technology, and markets. These inequalities directly impact their productivity and incomes, reinforcing cycles of poverty and hunger.
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Studies indicate that women are consistently more food insecure than men, a gap that widened during the COVID-19 pandemic and persists across regions. Addressing these disparities could also improve household nutrition and resilience, as women are more likely to invest income in food, health, and education.
Experts note that closing the gender gap is not only a social imperative but also an economic strategy. Estimates suggest that achieving equality in agrifood systems could add up to $1 trillion to the global economy.
The FAO has called for targeted policies, including better access to resources, inclusive decision-making, and gender-responsive agricultural investments. Without accelerated action, achieving gender equality could take centuries, delaying progress toward global food security goals.
As nations grapple with climate change and rising food demand, empowering women in agriculture is increasingly seen as key to building resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide.
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