As an ardent observer of the Green Revolution, I’ve been privileged to witness firsthand the very transformation of our planet’s agricultural landscape. While much focus has been given to technology and new farming methods, an equally crucial aspect of this revolution is often overlooked: the significant role of women. In this article, I’ll shed light on the incredible women who have been at the forefront of this movement, their contributions, and the impact they’ve created.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that women make up 43% of the global agricultural labor force, a figure that rises to 70% in some countries. Despite this, their contributions often go unrecognized. Take the case of Esther Ngumbi, a Kenyan entomologist. She’s been pioneering sustainable farming practices in her community, raising awareness about the importance of soil health, and championing the use of organic fertilizers.
In India, Rajkumari Devi, known as “Kisan Chachi” (Farmer Aunt), has revolutionized farming in her village of Anandpur, Bihar. She introduced organic farming methods and taught other women in her community to grow a variety of crops instead of relying on a single crop. Today, her efforts have helped lift hundreds of families out of poverty and made Anandpur a model sustainable village.
In Latin America, Francisca “Pancha” Rodriguez, a Chilean farmer and activist, co-founded the National Association of Rural and Indigenous Women (ANAMURI), which has over 10,000 members. They promote agroecology, fight for land rights, and campaign against harmful agricultural policies and practices.
In the tech-driven world of the United States, Danielle Gould, the founder of Food+Tech Connect, is revolutionizing the way we think about food and technology. Her company acts as a platform for entrepreneurs, farmers, and technologists to collaborate and innovate, fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system.
One cannot discuss women in the Green Revolution without mentioning Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai. The Kenyan environmentalist founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya, and fought tirelessly for women’s rights and democracy.
These women represent a fraction of the countless others who are transforming agriculture globally. According to a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), if women had the same access to resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20-30%, lifting as many as 150 million people out of hunger.
The Green Revolution is as much about people as it is about the planet. It is about recognizing the contributions of everyone involved, especially those who have traditionally been overlooked. The women mentioned in this article are not just participants in the Green Revolution; they are at its forefront, leading the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable world. I’m proud to be a part of a movement where extraordinary women are not just recognized, but celebrated for their critical role in shaping our planet’s future.
Shared by : Shivani Shukla
