Women For Livelihoods! Challenges faced by Women in Agriculture in Rafingora, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Women play crucial roles in agriculture for the welfare of their households and overall development in agro-based economies. They are a critical component as they provide most of the agricultural labour force, care for farming households and work as farm owners independently and jointly with family members. States across the globe have also instituted programmes and initiatives to support women in agriculture. However, women continue to face several challenges in agriculture, usually power-laden. Using a qualitative research approach, through a case study design, this article highlights the challenges women face in agriculture under small-scale farming in Rafingora, Mashonaland West Province. Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews with women and key informants in agriculture were used to obtain data to understand the challenges faced by women in farming. Thematically analysed data indicated family land conflicts, role conflict and the burden of motherhood, illiteracy and lack of information/education, harsh climate change, lack of agricultural equipment, and high transportation costs associated with long distances to depots/suppliers of farming inputs as main challenges affecting women in agriculture. The research concludes that being a female household head in a rural farming area is a challenge on its own, and a human rights issue since it is associated with a multiplicity of challenges.