Marta Beatriz Chiappe
This article provides the results of research done among Minnesota farm women between
September and December 1992. It reveals--among other things--the role women play in instilling the values
and beliefs necessary to guarantee sustainable farming for the generations to come.
Farmers, researchers, and policy-makers throughout the United States are increasingly questioning the production-intensive methods that have been used in agriculture during the past 50 years. Concerns about the effects of such methods on the quality of the environment, the food supply, the health of producers and consumers, and the viability of family farms and rural communities have motivated some farmers and researchers to search for alternatives for, and modifications to, these 'conventional' agricultural systems. One of the the most popular alternatives to emerge in the past decade is sustainable agriculture. Up to now, gender issues have not been specifically addressed by social and economic studies related to sustainable agriculture. During the research reported on here, in-depth interviews with 25 Minnesota farm women committed to sustainable agriculture demonstrated their perception of this approach to agriculture and the way they implement it in their own particular situation.
First, these women see sustainable agriculture as one of the manifestations of their philosophy of life. In other words, sustainable farming goes beyond the search for an efficient way of combining their farm resources, in order to improve the quality of the environment and conserve resources. Although ecological considerations are important, the women believe that economic and social aspects are also essential if sustainability is to be achieved. On the economic side, they stress the importance of reducing reliance on purchased inputs, growing food for family consumption, and maintaining profitable systems. On the social side, they emphasize improving the health of rural and urban residents and strengthening rural communities.
Second, the women's goals, values, and beliefs are intimately bound up with their notion of sustainable agriculture. They want to increase the quality of life of their families, support their local communities, be stewards of their land, live in balance with nature, and preserve family farms. In addition, they are striving for personal autonomy and control over the way they farm.
Third, the women experience the creation of sustainable farming systems as a long-term endeavour which may involve several generations. They are aware that learning how to manage ecosystems takes a great deal of time. Those who have introduced sustainable farming practices after farming with conventional methods perceive positive changes in their farming systems and believe that their goals are gradually being met.
Fourth, rural communities are of vital importance if the women are to maintain their sense of identity. Networking with other farmers who share similar goals and concerns provides fulfillment and satisfaction. Networking is also necessary to obtain information on sustainable farming practices, given the limited support which sustainable agriculture receives from state and federal institutions.
Fifth, the women play an active role in farming operations, although there is considerable variation in the type of activities they participate in and the amount of time they spent on those activities. This variation is due to a number of factors, such as type of farm, farming background, physical ability, personal preferences and interests, number and age of children, and off-farm employment. Despite the different levels of their involvement in farm work, these women are well acquainted with all the activities which take place on their farms.
Sixth, the women consider themselves active participants in the decision-making processes within their families. They characterize decision-making as a joint process involving themselves and their partners. All of the women said that joint decision-making was the rule for major decisions affecting the planning and management of their farming operations. Those women who have sole responsibility for certain farm activities on a daily basis also make the specific decisions related to those activities. It is clear from the above that women contribute to the implementation of sustainable agriculture on their farms and in their communities. It is therefore important that women are recognized as key actors in the construction of sustainable agricultural systems, and that due attention is given to their specific views, ideas, needs, and concerns.
Dr M.B. Chiappe
University of the Republic
College of Agriculture
Department of Social Sciences
Garzon 780
Montevideo 12900
Uruguay
Tel: +598-2-385492
Fax: +598-2-393004
E-mail: mchiappe@chasque.apc.org