Gender and Food Security

Food security is a primary goal of sustainable agricultural development and a cornerstone for economic and social development. The food price crisis is a current reminder of the crucial importance of focusing on food security as the central theme in agricultural development. Food security can be a reality only when the agriculture sector is vibrant.

Women are crucial in the translation of the products of a vibrant agriculture sector into food and nutritional security. However, they remain having less access to productive resources and economic opportunities compared to men. Gender-based inequalities all along the food production chain must be removed and the active engagement of women at all levels of decision making is absolutely necessary to attain food and nutritional security.