Almost half of the population in Central Asia lives in rural areas where the agricultural sector is the main employer. Female share of agricultural employment is more than half across the region. However, fewer women participate in decision-making on farms and tend to be in seasonal and unskilled jobs, mostly informal. Women farmers tend to own smaller plot sizes as compared to men, which results in lower value-added agricultural production. Women also make a strong contribution to food security and nutrition at both the household and community levels.
In many countries, they make up almost half of the agricultural labor force, but their production is limited by barriers to finance, inputs, and extension services, as well as land ownership and rights. The World Bank works globally and across Central Asia on promoting gender equality across the region and empowering women to reach their full potential – and thrive.