International Year of the Woman Farmer
As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, IRRI highlights 19 stories showcasing how its research and partnerships support women farmers. Aligned with our three impact goals of Improved Nutrition, Sustainable Planet, and Inclusive Livelihoods, these stories highlight efforts to improve access to nutritious rice, strengthen climate resilience, and expand livelihood opportunities across Asia, Africa, and beyond!
Expanding access to nutritious rice and strengthening food security to improve nutrition and well-being.
Healthier harvests: How Odisha is leading the way by mainstreaming nutritious rice
Odisha’s Specialty Rice Project helps women expand access to healthier rice and create local economic opportunities.
These rice varieties could end hidden hunger – Meet the Uttar Pradesh farmers making it happen
Durgawati Devi and other farmers in India are producing high-zinc rice seeds to improve nutrition and increase incomes.
Homestead gardening: A gender-responsive solution for a resilient and food-secure Bangladesh
IRRI’s homestead gardening initiative has reached 10,000 women in Bangladesh, supporting better nutrition and climate resilience.
Strengthening climate resilience and advancing sustainable rice-based systems that respond to environmental challenges.
The (social) science of climate action: What equitable climate adaptation looks like in the Global South
Six studies show how social equity can strengthen climate adaptation among smallholder farmers in the Global South.
Empowering women for climate-resilient agriculture: Four case studies from India
Four case studies from India show how targeted support helps women farmers build climate resilience.
Seed and varietal choices of farmers: Does gender matter?
Women farmers’ knowledge of seed quality, cooking traits, and resilience can help shape better seed choices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Fostering inclusive adoption of RCM through MDII insights
More accessible digital farming tools could help women in India and Indonesia make informed farming decisions.
Environmental time poverty: The hidden burden of climate change on women
In Bangladesh, climate change adds to women’s unpaid workloads, highlighting the need for more equitable farming systems.
Transforming rice cultivation in the hilly regions of Bangladesh: A story of resilience and innovation
IRRI and BRRI help women farmers in Bangladesh’s hill districts grow suitable rice varieties and strengthen local seed production.
Bridging policy and practice for inclusive climate adaptation in the Philippines: Insights from Quezon and Batangas
Participatory learning helps farming communities in the Philippines develop more inclusive strategies for climate adaptation.
Voices of Change: How indigenous storytelling is helping shape global climate policy
Indigenous women farmers in Kenya are using traditional knowledge and seed saving to strengthen climate resilience and inform policy.
Different farmers, different needs: Rethinking Uganda’s rice seed systems
Research in Uganda shows how gender and age shape access to rice seed information and the adoption of new varieties.
Improving livelihoods and community well-being through stronger seed systems, access to knowledge and resources, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities.
In parts of South Asia, women are taking the lead in agriculture transformation
Women across South Asia are advancing climate-resilient rice farming, improving nutrition, and leading community innovation.
From adversity to achievement: Supriya Das pioneers mechanized seeding and women’s empowerment in Odisha
In Odisha, Supriya Das increased green gram yields by 233% through mechanized seeding supported by IRRI and the state government.
Positioning healthier rice varieties in Odisha for market demand and farmer income
Women-led groups in Odisha are marketing healthier rice varieties and creating new income opportunities.
Farmers in northern Bangladesh benefit from community agricultural learning centers
Community Learning Centers in Bangladesh help women farmers build skills, increase incomes, and lead local change.
Empowering youth and women in Bangladesh through nursery entrepreneurship for sustainable rural development
Training supported by IRRI helps women and youth in Bangladesh establish nursery businesses and earn income.
Empowering women-led seed enterprises through Orange Bonds, a financial instrument in Bangladesh
Orange Bond financing could help women-led seed enterprises in Bangladesh expand their businesses and improve access to climate-adapted seeds.
Saving seeds, securing staples: How women are leading seed security in Nepal
Research in Nepal explores how gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic conditions affect farmers’ access to quality seeds.
Women-led cooperatives and seed entrepreneurs drive seed innovation in Nepal
In Nepal, IRRI is partnering with a women-led cooperative to expand access to improved rice varieties and strengthen local seed production.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
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