UN Declares 2026 the Year of Women in Agriculture to Close Gender Gaps

The United Nations has named 2026 the International Year of Women in Agriculture. The move aims to recognise the vital role women play in farming while pushing for greater equality in the sector. Currently, fewer than 15% of landholders worldwide are women, despite their significant contributions to food production. Women carry out 38% of all agricultural labour globally. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, their involvement is even higher. Yet, ownership and leadership remain uneven—only 11% of farms in Germany, for example, are run by women, though they make up 35% of the agricultural workforce.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) hopes the 2026 initiative will spotlight these disparities. By raising awareness, the UN body wants to drive policy changes that improve women’s access to land, resources, and funding. In Germany, the Association of Rural Women has already begun campaigning for equal opportunities in farming. Regional farming groups across Germany are also taking action. New projects aim to better support and connect women in agriculture. Research suggests that empowering female farmers could boost crop yields and strengthen food security worldwide.

The FAO’s 2026 campaign will draw attention to the gaps women face in agriculture. With greater access to land and funding, their role in food production could expand further. The initiative may also encourage more countries to adopt policies that promote gender equality in farming.