The World’s Gender Gap in Agriculture and Natural Resources: Evidence and Explanations

Abstract

On the Ground • Inequities, or “gender gaps,” occur between men and women in the control over productive resources and assignment of laborious tasks. This can negatively affect women and their families. • Although detailed studies remain rare, gender gaps appear to be common in the world’s rangelands. The sizes and types of gaps vary, however. • To measure progress toward greater gender equity on rangelands, we need baseline data that quantify information for women and men separately. • Research is also needed to understand how and why gender gaps occur. This can help identify interventions to close gender gaps. • By stepping into new roles, women who live and work in rangelands can transform local ideas about what is “normal” for women to do.