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Women's agency and the future of farming: A regional comparison from the marshlands in the democratic Republic of Congo

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Contrary to dominant narratives portraying rural women as voiceless subsistence farmers, this study draws on survey data from marshland farmers in two regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo to highlight their active roles in decision-making regarding crop selection, control over harvest income, and entrepreneurial aspirations beyond smallholder agriculture. Findings reveal regional differences in women's willingness to remain engaged in farming, shaped by perceived socioeconomic and environmental conditions. These insights challenge reductive portrayals and underscore the need to recognize rural women’s agency and entrepreneurial ambitions in income-generating activities beyond family farming.

Source: Social Sciences & Humanities Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.103621

Authors: Arsene Mushagalusa Balasha, Dominique Aganze Mulume, Benjamin Murhula Balasha, Maurice Kesonga Nsele, Alex Nyumbaiza Tambwe

Institutions: University of Lubumbashi, Université Evangélique en Afrique

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Development and Management

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, No poverty, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,180