Women’s Agricultural Labour and Its Contribution to Women Empowerment in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Globally, agricultural production is largely undertaken by women. Nevertheless, there are numerous challenges that come with being a female farmer. The burden of agricultural productivity is further exasperated by the tendency of males to migrate urban areas in pursuit of employment. This leaves women with the enormous task of being responsible for 90 percent of food processing activities, water and firewood collection. Regardless of these contributions in agriculture, the plight of women is still largely unaddressed by policymakers in our society. This paper explores, women’s labour in agriculture, and the role it plays in the empowerment of women living in rural areas. A sample of 16 was drawn from two women-led agricultural projects, namely Kwadikwaneng nursery and the Lahlapapadi goat project in the Limpopo Province. The study was carried out qualitatively, with focus groups and in-depth interviews as methods of data collection. The study revealed that women in agriculture are empowered and are able to positively empower other women. Women in the study were able to use their agricultural labour to contribute positively to their household income. The findings of the study also revealed that women in the two projects perceive their own projects to be much bigger and better in terms of their performance than those of their male counterparts, which in itself is an empowering factor. Lastly, the study revealed that the agriculture can be perceived as a pathway to women empowerment, recognition and visibility in their local communities. The study therefore recommends that women should consistently receive support from relevant stakeholder to ensure sustainable development and empowerment.