Women's Voice and Agency in Rural Africa: Small-Scale Communal Farmers in Zimbabwe

In: Women & politics, Band 16, Heft 2, S. 19-43

Abstract

In Africa, women farmers must gain greater access to markets if they are to overcome patriarchy & fulfill their potential as agriculturalists. Based on interviews with 76 women farmers in Zimbabwe, cases are depicted in which women have become participants in markets, due in part to local political action. The women joined organizations, worked together, & expressed their views, making demands & acquiring influence with which they obtained agricultural services & access to markets. Five conditions that enhance the ability of rural women to participate in markets & politics are identified: collective action, participation, skills development, interventions by change agents, & influence by women's movement over states. 38 References. Adapted from the source document.