Page 3 - SAC-Gender-Responsive-Market-Analysis-Final-Report-July-19-2021 (1)

1. Context

Low and inequitable market participation

Low and inequitable market participation of women and youth in agriculture is an

overarching problem across the SAC countries. Underlying causes include traditional

gender roles including childcare and unpaid labour, barriers to land ownership (only 11-
30% of agricultural land belongs to women) and limited access to financial support (89.7%

of all agricultural loans In Dominica were made to men compared to 10.3% to women).

Research has shown that interest in agriculture is waning. The majority of women and

youth remain at the base of the value chain production with less than 7% in processing or
other value-add activities. Youth view agriculture as labour intensive with low returns and

24% women surveyed said they would leave agriculture if they could.

There is strong evidence of significant household distress with 76% concerned about

healthcare and 74% struggling with household bills. Personal safety concerns, including
GBV, is also an issue for 88% women surveyed.

Whilst 62% women and youth said getting enough food for their family was not a

problem, COVID and the recent Hurricane Elsa and extreme flooding in Guyana continue

to test the vulnerability of the sector and the implications for national food security.

Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project

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