THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN AGROECOSYSTEM AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD PRODUCTION

Abstract

Objective: Carry out a reflection on the contribution of women in the agroecosystem, in the specific context of the complexity of the rural environment, of the decisive factors of integration or separation between home and exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach: A review of the literature on the agroecosystem was carried out, from how the concept arises with the theory of systems until it is considered as a complex system, and the role that women have played in the production of food.

Results: Women have played a crucial and preponderant role in society, as well as in agroecosystems, related to food processes more linked to self-consumption, in the context of traditional agriculture. In Mexico, it has been identified, from the origins of agriculture, in various tasks such as plowing the land, harvesting crops and caring for animals. 50% of the food consumed throughout the world is grown by women in rural areas.

Limitations on study/implications: If women had the same access as men to productive resources, they could increase their harvests by 20-30%, which would mean an increase in total agricultural production in developing countries of between 2.5 and 4. %.

Findings/conclusions: Women have managed to develop essential tasks in agroecosystems, however, not in all cases these advances correspond to the measures adopted nor are they aimed at achieving equality between men and women as a fundamental objective.