By Elijah Banda
In sub-Saharan Africa, women play a pivotal role in agriculture, constituting approximately 70% of the agricultural workforce. Despite their significant contribution, women face considerable barriers in accessing and utilizing agricultural technologies, which hampers their productivity and economic empowerment.
Adult Education and Learning (ALE) emerges as a crucial tool in bridging this gender gap, offering women the skills and knowledge necessary to harness technology effectively in their farming practices.
Women farmers in Africa often encounter several challenges that impede their ability to adopt and benefit from agricultural technologies such as limited access to resources where by women typically tend to have less access to land, credit, and inputs, which limits their capacity to invest in technological advancements.
Another issue is time constraints. This implies that due to their dual responsibilities in both domestic and agricultural tasks, women have limited time to engage with new technologies or training programs. Cultural norms also play a role. In many communities, traditional gender roles limit women's participation in decision-making processes related to technology adoption.
Besides, cultural norms, lack of tailored training also contributes in the sense that agricultural training programs often overlook the unique needs and constraints faced by women, resulting in lower participation and effectiveness. This becomes a letdown to majority of them to even build interest once again in any issue related to development agendas.
Therefore, ALE should play a transformative role in empowering women farmers by addressing these challenges and promoting equitable access to agricultural technologies in the following ways; ALE programs can offer training that is specifically designed to meet the needs of women farmers. For instance, programs should be scheduled at times that accommodate women's domestic responsibilities and can utilize local languages and culturally appropriate materials to enhance understanding and participation. Such tailored training ensures that women acquire the necessary skills to effectively use agricultural technologies.
Through ALE, women can develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, enabling them to make informed choices about adopting new technologies. Empowering women with knowledge boosts their confidence and allows them to actively participate in agricultural innovation and leadership roles within their communities. Promoting Peer Learning and Community Support. ALE programs often encourage peer-to-peer learning, where women can share experiences and solutions to common challenges.
Bridging the gender gap in agricultural technology use through adult education and learning in Africa is pivotal for enhancing food security, economic development, and gender equality. Empowering them with the necessary skills and knowledge enables them to adopt innovative agricultural practices, leading to increased productivity and improved livelihoods. By investing in women’s education and empowerment, Africa can unlock the full potential of its agricultural technological hubs, fostering sustainable development and equitable growth.