Factors Associated with Female Participation in Extensive Livestock Farming in Spain
An Approach to Sustainability and Equity in the Agrarian Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31285/AGRO.30.1879Keywords:
extensive livestock farming, women, gender equality, livestock farming, agricultureAbstract
Women’s equitable participation in the agricultural sector transcends its social dimension and is a determining factor in generating economic benefits, including increased productivity, the promotion of sustainable development, diversification of activities, and a greater propensity for innovation and resilience. This research analyzes women participation in livestock farming in Spain, with a special focus on extensive livestock farming, with the aim of identifying the associated characteristics and providing evidence to support policies aimed at their incorporation into a declining subsector with high ecosystem value. The research questions focus on determining the level of female participation in livestock farming, as well as the factors that influence such participation. The study is based on two main sources: the 2020 Agricultural Census and the Extensive Livestock Farming Map. The results show that extensive livestock farming offers favorable conditions for equity and proven environmental and territorial benefits, reinforcing its potential as a tool for sustainable rural development. Logistic regression models identify older age, farm size, membership of family businesses, and production orientation as significant factors, with a preference for large livestock in general livestock farming and small livestock in extensive farming. These findings confirm the suitability of extensive livestock farming for promoting equality and outline strategic lines for the formulation of public policies. Female participation is emerging as a key element for the resilience of the sector, while their late incorporation and lesser experience underscore the need to eliminate barriers such as age in the granting of aid and to ensure specialized training programs.
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