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Latin American women increase agro-industry presence despite gender gaps
The United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have designated 2026 as the International Year of the Female Farmer to highlight the essential role women play in global agri-food systems. While female participation in the sector is growing across Latin America, significant gender disparities remain.
In Argentina, women now represent 28% of agro-industrial employment, with over 200,000 new female workers joining the sector in the last five years. Across the broader Latin American and Caribbean region, women make up 36% of the agri-food workforce.
In Ecuador, despite the increasing visibility of women in agriculture, financial gaps persist. Data from BanEcuador shows that between January and May 2026, men received 57% of the $135 million in agricultural credit, while women received 40.4%. Challenges such as limited access to land, technology, training, and decision-making positions continue to affect rural women.
Entities
BanEcuador · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Fundación Agropecuaria para el Desarrollo de Argentina · United Nations · Universidad Tecnológica Empresarial de Guayaquil
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gender gaps persist in access to land, financing, technology, training, and decision-making roles. eluniverso.com · revistapetra.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Argentina, women account for 28% of agro-industrial employment. revistapetra.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Between January and May 2026, BanEcuador allocated 57% of its $135 million agricultural credit to men and 40.4% to women. www.expreso.ec
- [● 2 SOURCES] The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of the Female Farmer. eluniverso.com · www.expreso.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Women represent 36% of the agri-food systems workforce in Latin America and the Caribbean. revistapetra.com