Mechanization supports women farmers’ productivity, but impact on empowerment is inclusive

Masset, Edoardo and Suchi Kapoor Malhotra. 2024. Mechanization supports women farmers’ productivity, but impact on empowerment is inclusive. Nairobi, Kenya: CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform. Evidence Explainer. 6 p.

Mechanization is regarded as a key tool in the empowerment of women in agriculture. Mechanization is often associated with an increase in farmers’ income and time available to invest in alternative economic activities. Evidence suggests a limited but positive impact of mechanization on women’s agricultural productivity. Evidence on the specific benefits of mechanization for women and its different impacts on women and men farmers remains inadequate.