Organic Insights Magazine - Summer 2022

18 / Organic Insights / Summer 2022

PACI F IC A ID PROGRAM SUPPORTS WOMEN IN AGR ICULTURE Australia is increasingly focused on re-affirming relationships with our Pacific neighbours – with issues of regional stability, national security, and climate change of mutual concern. Agriculture is a key industry that contributes to regional stability and underpins the economies of many Pacific Islands. The Pacific Horticultural & Agricultural Market Access Plus Program (PHAMA Plus), supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments, assists export capabilities in 10 Pacific nations and empowers women to play a key role in the development of the sector. A recent webinar hosted by PHAMA Plus, Seeds of growth and change in the Pacific , featured 6 panellists from across the region celebrating the contributions of rural women in agriculture. “Our organisation is about championing new ideas, bringing in new skills and experiences and empowering those around them,” said webinar moderator and PHAMA Plus GEDSI Manager, Kassandra Betham . Despite the critical role that women play in food production, they often face barriers to accessing agricultural land, training, credit, and services. Speaking from Vanuatu, PHAMA Plus Country Manager, Emily Tumukon identified the primary barriers inhibiting participation as including a lack of capital, lack of business acumen and lack of empowerment, as well as an entrenched cultural status of women in communities. Co-founder of the PNG Women in Coffee Association, Catherine Pianga agreed, and said that in her country, access to land is an added issue as it is traditionally passed down through the male lineage. Catherine said the Association works to address impediments for women including issues relating to the legislative and regulatory environment, board representation, cultural issues, lawlessness, and trade barriers…as well as improving financial literacy. LET’S INCLUDE THEM MORE IN DECISION MAKING , EQUIP THEM WITH THE CORRECT SAVVY AND TOOLS TO ENHANCE PACIFIC’S FOOD SECURITY, TRADE AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS. Emily Tumukon, PHAMA Plus Country Manager, Vanuatu WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE EQUAL SHAREHOLDERS IN THE PACIFIC RURAL AGRICULTURE SYSTEM. THEY ARE SENSIBLE, DETERMINED, RESOURCEFUL AND CREATIVE.

faces of organic Making up half of the World’s farmers, the World Bank calls women the ‘agents of change for the global food system’ and the ‘human link’ between the farm and the table. National Geographic reports that closing the gender gap in agriculture would grow food production and build sustainable futures for women. In developing countries, only 10 to 20 percent of landholders are women, and in some parts of the world, women still cannot legally own or control land. The UN Food and Agriculture Organiza­ tion (FAO) reports that abolishing gender- specific barriers in farming would not only empower women to achieve their highest economic potential, it could help feed a hungry world.

There is no benchmark a woman can’t achieve if given the opportunity and resources to do so and empowered with the relevant knowledge.