Women in Agricultural Cooperatives

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the current situation with regard to the participation of women in agricultural co-operatives, and to promote further understanding of the factors affecting the extent of women's participation in such co-operatives in terms of both actual membership, and contribution to decision-making within the organisation. The paper focuses on women in rural areas who undertake some sort of farming or closely-related activity, whether or not in association with a husband. Women in both developed and developing countries are discussed in this paper, although more attention is paid in certain sections of the report to the situation of women in developing countries. It also aims to put forward recommendations with regard to improving the participation of women in agricultural co-operatives in the future, with specific suggestions for action by co-operatives, development agencies and government departments.