• 61 women farmers

  • 5 women’s groups

  • 13 technical training days

Sustainable Agriculture And Forestry

Women farmers

Environmental sponsorship

The project supports 200 women farmers from 15 groups throughout France through discussion and training activities and research initiatives to combat gender stereotypes and recognise their important contribution to the transition towards sustainable agriculture.

Context

In France, being a woman farmer is a challenge in a male-dominated sector where women’s tasks have a low profile and where they only have limited access to areas of decision-making. They encounter gender-related obstacles throughout their career. Yet they are initiating a change towards agriculture that is respectful of humans and resources. Supporting them in their involvement in decision-making on farms is an important lever in moving towards more sustainable agriculture.

Objectives

  • Empower women farmers in their professional endeavours to protect the environment
  • Give value to the work of women farmers vis-à-vis the agricultural profession and the general public
  • Remove psycho-social and cultural impediments, the main obstacle to the shift to sustainable agriculture
  • Support the replication of this initiative among other women’s groups across France

Impacts

Environmental impacts

  • Transition of farms to sustainable agriculture
  • National awareness of sustainable agricultural practices
  • Adaptation of production to climate change
  • Development of direct distribution

Socio-economic impacts

  • Enhanced capacities of women in sustainable farming practices
  • Empowerment of women farmers and recognition of their role on farms
  • Awareness of gender stereotypes in agriculture

Expected results

  • Support for 4 women’s groups in the CIVAM network
  • 43 technical training days and exchange of professional practices on a variety of themes (tractor driving, sustainable livestock farming, work-life balance, etc.)
  • 22 discussion days on women’s role in agriculture (single-sex or mixed discussions)
  • 49 days of artistic expression workshops to empower and increase the self-confidence of women farmers
  • 9 events to enhance recognition of women’s roles in sustainable agriculture and awareness-raising among citizens and agricultural students, etc.
  • 1 study conducted to develop direct distribution
  • 1 national trade network created between the 15 CIVAM women’s groups on gender and the agroecological transition
  • 2 annual thematic days and 2 national meetings organised for women farmers in the network
  • 1 analysis conducted and published on the levers identified to facilitate the agroecological transition initiated by women

Photo credits: CIVAM 44, ADAGE 355

Operational partner

    Réseau CIVAM

Financial partner

    NUXE