THEMATIC AREA 5
The persistent lack of gender- and sex-disaggregated data in agrifood systems remains a significant barrier to effective policymaking, investment, and programme design and implementation. Without robust evidence on how gender inequalities shape access to resources, employment opportunities, land ownership and market participation, interventions risk being ineffective or reinforcing existing disparities. The gaps in gender data – for example around women’s access to agrifood system technology or resources – obscure the contributions of women in agrifood systems and limit the ability of governments, businesses and development partners to design targeted solutions that address structural barriers.
The CGE initiative and its partners recognize that closing the gender data gap is fundamental to advancing equality in agrifood systems. Improving collection, analysis and use of data on gender leads to better-informed policies and more effective financial investments, and enables the measurement of progress towards gender equality goals in agrifood systems.
“We have the evidence to show us how to overcome gender gaps – evidence that calls upon all of us to act, collectively and urgently. Closing these gaps and empowering women and girls in agrifood systems would greatly improve economic growth, food security, access to healthy diets and resilience for women, their households and their communities, particularly in rural areas.”Qu Dongyu
Director-General, FAO
CGE press release, 24 September 2024
Beyond sex disaggregation, there is also an urgent need to expand research that applies a gender lens to agrifood systems. This includes examining the intersection of gender with other forms of social difference and the links between gender and climate resilience, digital inclusion and economic participation, for example. It also calls for a better understanding of how social norms affect women’s ability to benefit from agrifood systems. Strengthening collaboration between governments, research institutions and international organizations is key to ensuring that gender-responsive data collection is integrated into national statistical systems and global monitoring frameworks. Furthermore, support for research and data collection efforts led by institutions in the Global South is critical to ensuring that research questions tackle the specific needs of the women who rely most heavily on agrifood systems for their livelihoods.
CGE partners that commit under this thematic area are laying the foundation for evidence-driven gender policies and programmes that deliver real change. The availability of better data will ensure that progress is not only measured but actively driven, allowing for continuous improvement in the way agrifood systems serve women and men equally.
For bilateral development agencies, foundations, multilaterals, non-governmental organizations
For Members, producer organizations, local authorities, etc.
For businesses
Required citation:
FAO. 2025. Commit to Grow Equality: investing in the future of women in agrifood systems – Progress report 2025. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4123en
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