Women and Farm Diversification

Women play an important role in contemporary agriculture and especially in the diversification of farm activities for financial sustainability. However, the direct and indirect on – and by – women in farm diversification, and how these intersect with policy, are not fully understood. This study hence aimed to further examine the roles and activities undertaken by women in farm diversification, including those addressing environmental challenges, and how women build and share knowledge and resources for diversification.

The research interviewed 29 women active in the diversification of a farm in Wales, some of whom also represented farming organisations. Nearly all women identified themselves as involved in diversification, but not all identified themselves as farmers. Self-defined diversification activities were broad, and included types of on-farm and off-farm economic activities. The predominant goal of diversification was to ensure economic survival of the farm, which included its agricultural and business components, but also the people, animals and nature that lived there.

Our initial analysis focused on the impacts of policies, and a range of considerations like women’s labour, time, skills, and responsibilities. The practices and roles of women that are emerging most strongly, generally reflect aspects of economic diversification that supported by local grants and policies. Gender analysis reveals the rising costs on women’s labour and time, with shifts about decisions about diversification reflecting the kinds of support and mentorship available, from the Welsh government and other farming organizations.

The study points to the need for more place-sensitive agriculture and rural development policies in Wales that reflect the differing geographical contexts in which farm diversification is attempted, as well as policies that recognise the specific contributions of women entrepreneurs in farm diversification and the challenges that they face.