Women constitute the fundamental pillar of Suriname’s agricultural sector, yet they consistently face inadequate recognition and compensation for their substantial contributions. Curt Delice, representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), emphasizes that targeted policy interventions are crucial to eliminate structural barriers and strengthen the position of women in farming.
Delice asserts that while women’s role in agriculture has been historically secured and will remain unchanged in the coming decade, the challenge lies in ensuring they benefit more substantially from their essential contributions. He identifies numerous existing challenges that require specifically differentiated policies to address traditional obstacles faced by female agricultural workers.
The digital era presents unprecedented opportunities for women to leverage information and communication technologies as powerful platforms. According to Delice, social media channels like Facebook and WhatsApp provide effective alternatives to mainstream bureaucratic channels, enabling women to promote their products, network effectively, lobby for their interests, and ultimately gain long-overdue recognition within the agro-sector.
With over 80% of agricultural production based on family farming, women play a crucial role in Suriname’s food systems. “Women will always be the backbone of the agricultural sector, particularly within the rural space,” Delice affirmed.
Maitrie Jagroep, Deputy Director of Agricultural Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV), confirms that gender mainstreaming has been incorporated into departmental policy for several years, though implementation is only now taking concrete shape. The ministry has initiated several projects emphasizing increased female participation, noting improved visibility of women in agricultural events and activities.
Jagroep highlights the gender-specific challenges posed by climate change, noting women’s physical limitations in performing certain tasks during extended droughts when water carrying becomes necessary, while simultaneously managing household responsibilities. During prolonged rainfall, their crops face flooding vulnerabilities, making them particularly susceptible to climate impacts.
The ministry is implementing innovative practices to benefit women in agriculture, including increased female involvement in hydroponic systems and greenhouse cultivation rather than open-field farming. Fertigation irrigation systems, requiring less water, present more favorable options for female farmers, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating more equitable working conditions.