Empowering Women in Agri-Startups for Sustainable Food Security

Abstract

The contribution of women to the advancement of agriculture has grown significantly. Women play a crucial role in guaranteeing food security and conserving local agro-biodiversity. Agriculture sector employs 80% of all economically active women; they comprise 33% of the agricultural labor force and 48% of self employed farmers. Despite playing a significant role in various aspects of agriculture and food production, yet their contributions are often undervalued and underrepre sented. As women are the primary participants in all stages of agricultural produc tion, including pre-harvest, post-harvest processing, packaging, and marketing, it is crucial to implement gender-specific interventions to enhance agricultural productivity. Empowering women in agri-startups not only promotes gender equality but also has the potential to significantly enhance food security. This paper explores the crucial role of women in agri-startups for achieving sustainable food security, challenges faced by women in agri-startups, the benefits of their empowerment, and strategies for fostering their leadership in this sector. By addressing these issues, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural landscape, ultimately leading to improved food security for communities worldwide.