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When I went to study about the rice harvesting activities in Egypt, Texas — I spotted this young man reviewing his schoolbook (to get ready for the class coming soon) during the short breaks between unloadings of rice from combine harvesters. His name is Ralph. His parent worked for the same farmer in 30 years. Raul lives and grows up in the same farm. He just graduated from high school recently. This scholar year, he will be away from farming activity, to be the first one of his family to look for something else while rice acres are reduced badly year after year. Good luck to you, Ralph! You are changing your annual-plan to century-plan: “Bách niên chi kế mạc ư thụ nhân”.

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Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. To be able to meet the needs of the future generations, rice production should increase 70%. This can be achieved only with new and improved technologies which are adaptable also for resource-poor farmers. But not only technologies can ensure that there will be enough rice for consumers. It is critical to involve people who produce, provide and manage the crop.

It is seen that technical changes which have been planned according to men's needs and perceptions can in some cases even deteriorate women's conditions. One of the critical factors affecting women's role in rice farming is the farming system used. When technological changes are introduced, it is pivotal to understand how these changes can influence women's rights and responsibilities.

A recognition of gender roles and the specific needs of women is key to effective and productive rice farming. This article shows clearly that women's role in rice farming can vary considerably from continent to continent, from region to region and even from village to village. Accurate information on women's, as well as men's, contributions to rice production is essential not only to understand the importance of their work, but to support more effective production planning.

It has been noted that a lack of access to agricultural resources and services, including research, poses a fundamental constraint to women farmers. Improved access to, and control over, all productive resources and services, such as land, labor, credit and equipment for women are required to increase their capacity to generate much-needed income and improve their rice production. Clearly, this calls for more attention to women's participation in decision-making processes at all levels, from the community through district to national levels, and beyond as well as their improved legal rights over the use of resources.

Qualitative research on gender-based roles and relations in rice production systems, together with the use of improved methods for gender-responsive data would provide access to improved gender-disaggregated statistical indicators essential to decision-makers. Gender-responsive policies and planning processes, which take into account the complexities of women's labor, and the importance of their productive activities could overcome some of the constraints in rice production.

Overall, there is a real need to take a more holistic view of rice production systems and offer a framework for policy-makers and planners to better understand the dynamics operating at household and community level. It is only in this way that Governments and their partners will be able to support efforts to improve rice and other crop production in ways that are both sustainable and that meet the food security needs of all people. (Source: FAO)


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