Study on the roles of men and women farmers in organic vs non-organic rice farming in Pringsewu, Indonesia

The ASEAN FAW Action Plan visited rice farms recently in Pringsewu, Lampung Province to find out more about a study on the different roles of men and women farmers in organic and conventional (non-organic) rice farming. A team of researchers have been working there to assess empowerment levels of farmers and to understand more about the exciting transition to organic rice farming in the region.

Researchers: (from left to right) Dr. Nandari Dyah Suretno (Research Center for Sustainable Production Systems and Life Cycle Assessment, National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN); Dr. Danarsi Diptaningsari (Research Center for Food Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN); Zahara (Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN); Rika Reviza Rachmawati (Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN); Dr. Apri Laila Sayekti (Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN); Meidaliyantisyah (Research Center for Sustainable Production Systems and Life Cycle Assessment, National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN)

The research has involved interviewing 120 men and women farmers from the same households from across 60 farms, to gather their perspectives on different roles in rice farming, as well as to assess women’s empowerment in organic and non-organic rice farming. The team used the constructive Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) adapted to the local rice farming context, supplemented with focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews to enrich the findings.

Focus Group Discussion

Interviewing a farmer

Where is Lampung Province?

The study was conducted in two locations in Pringsewu Regency, Lampung Province, Indonesia, namely Tulung Agung Village, Gading Rejo Subdistrict, and Fajar Esuk Village, Pringsewu Subdistrict (Figure 1).

What did the study find out?

The analysis of household roles and knowledge scores between men and women in organic and non-organic farming revealed interesting insights into gender dynamics and empowerment in farming households. On the organic farms, women take the role of household manager in 60% of households and 70% of women are responsible for financial management. This is higher than levels in conventional rice farming (55% and 50% respectively).

With respect to knowledge scores, women on organic farms scored much higher than those on conventional farms. This may suggest that women involved in organic rice farming have greater access to information, training, and knowledge related to farming practices, potentially due to the greater emphasis on sustainable and innovative techniques in organic agriculture that have been introduced at this location.

Overall empowerment

The study found that the overall empowerment index is low for both organic and non-organic farmers, with women experiencing lower levels of empowerment compared to men, particularly in non-organic farming systems.

Several factors contribute to this disparity, especially in conventional rice farming, such as less control over income, limited involvement in community organizations, and traditional perceptions around gender roles that shape decision making. Dr. Apri Laila Sayekti, BRIN.

Men were also much more actively involved in farmer groups. Farmer groups and cooperatives can offer important leadership opportunities and access to training, resources, and networks. Finding ways to encourage more participation by women is, therefore, one of the recommendations of the study.

Strengthening women’s leadership and participation in farmer groups and cooperatives can be important to fostering empowerment. And, encouraging women to take on leadership roles within these organizations can amplify their voices in agricultural decision-making. Dr. Danarsi Diptaningsari, BRIN.

Women farmers enthusiastically participated in the FGD

The study recommended a focus on increasing access to training and information for all farmers to increase their knowledge and skills, however, it was especially important to encourage more opportunities for women to participate, with several key strategies suggested such as:

• Encouraging men to bring their wives to agricultural training sessions so they can learn new skills together, as well as providing opportunities for training events at times and places where women can easily attend (e.g. outside mealtimes, providing childcare support so women can attend with young children).

• Fostering women's participation in farmer groups and cooperatives. Inclusion in community organizations can provide women with valuable resources, networks, and financial support, ultimately increasing their involvement in agricultural decision-making.

• Promoting the benefits of shared decision-making in households as way to increase knowledge and benefits for the whole household.

Video Series

The findings from this research are featured in the video, “Pringsewu's Farmers’ Journey and the Role of Gender in Organic Rice Farming in Pringsewu, Lampung.” 

This video features interviews and field footage from the study. It also explores the transition to organic farming by farmers in the region. You can also see a short presentation on the study at our IPM Leaders page here.