Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The May 16 front-page article "Women Rise in Rwanda's Economic Revival" illustrated how investing in female farmers and improving their status can benefit all of society -- helping entire nations escape the cycles of poverty. That message could not be more timely, given the current debate over how best to respond to rising world hunger.

Rural women produce between 60 and 80 percent of the food in developing countries, and they are primarily responsible for their families' food security and nutrition. Research by my organization suggests that improving female farmers' access to resources, technologies and markets, coupled with secure rights to property, can directly increase agricultural productivity and ultimately improve household nutrition -- keys to growth and development.

As concern over rising food prices escalates and debate over the future of U.S. foreign assistance intensifies with the upcoming presidential election, policy officials would be wise to recognize that investment in women who are farmers should be a fundamental part of any economic development strategy.

REKHA MEHRA

Director, Economic and Development

International Center for Research on Women

Washington