The CODECS project has released a policy brief addressing “The Gender Dimension of Farm Digitalisation“. Developed by Barbra Comfort Akello and Gianluca Brunori from the University of Pisa, this document offers a critical look at how the digital transition in agriculture can either bridge or widen existing gender inequalities.
CODECS aims to improve the capacity of farmers to adopt digitalisation as a driver for sustainable change. This policy brief is a key step in developing a vision of “sustainable digitalisation” that ensures benefits are shared equitably.
The vital role of women in EU agriculture
Despite being historically under-recognised, women are central to the resilience of rural Europe. They represent approximately 45% of the economically active population in rural areas and manage about 30% of farms across the EU-28. Beyond direct farm management, women are often the primary drivers of agritourism, sustainable food production, and green innovation. Research indicates that women-headed farms often perform strongly in eco-efficiency, making them essential players in the EU’s green transition.
Addressing the “Triple Divide”
The policy brief highlights a “triple divide” where digital, gender, and rural inequalities intersect. While digital tools like AI, IoT, and blockchain offer transformative benefits (potentially increasing yields by up to 30%) they also risk excluding those without the necessary resources.
Key barriers identified for women in agriculture include:
- Infrastructure & skills: Rural areas still face a 15% gap in adequate internet connectivity, and women often face a “skills and confidence gap” due to lower digital literacy and limited training access.
- Asset ownership: Persistent disparities in land ownership restrict women’s access to credit and loans needed to invest in expensive digital tools.
- Socio-cultural norms: Deep-seated views of farming as a “male domain” often render women’s contributions invisible, leading to their exclusion from professional networks and data-driven benefits.
Policy recommendations for an inclusive future
To ensure an equitable digital transition, the CODECS policy brief proposes several strategic actions:
- Invest in gender-inclusive digital literacy: Targeted programs and tutorials should be designed specifically for rural women.
- Eliminate bias in technology: Algorithms and AI solutions must be audited to ensure they do not discriminate against diverse user groups.
- Institutionalise gender mainstreaming: Policymakers should mandate gender impact assessments for all new digital laws and prioritise the collection of sex-disaggregated data to make women’s challenges visible.
By addressing these structural barriers, the agricultural sector can move toward a more inclusive and sustainability-oriented vision.
For more information and to download the full policy brief, visit the CODECS website at https://www.horizoncodecs.eu/policybriefs/
