Challenges and Paths for Women in Agriculture

Women play a central role in agriculture in Mayotte. Today, they still represent 67% of the active workforce in this sector.

Women are the guardians of the “Mahoran Garden,” a traditional system where bananas, tubers, and fruit trees are intertwined, ensuring food security for families. They are also found in informal markets, selling products whose origin is not always traceable.

Indeed, a discussion forum organized on January 6th by the Mayotte Technopole and the NGO Super-Novae provided an opportunity to reflect on their role. Even though only about ten participants were able to attend, the event was rich in exchanges. The absence of the main stakeholders, the female farmers, was regretted. “Those directly involved should be at the heart of this discussion,” reminded Caroline Joubert, facilitator and member of Agricoop Mayotte.

The meeting brought together trainers from the Agricultural Innovation and Transfer Network (RITA), representatives from the Regional Chamber of Social and Solidarity Economy (CREES), farmers, a union representative from the Rural Coordination, and a member of the NGO Electricians Without Borders. Together, these participants addressed the specific challenges facing Mayotte and proposed ways to better support women in agriculture.

The observation is clear: the sector remains fragile. Only 1,300 farmers are officially registered on the island, while their actual number could be four times higher. This situation is explained by a lack of administrative training, local cultural practices, and the presence of many undocumented individuals. Institutional support, deemed insufficient, leaves many women farmers without assistance or training.

Added to this are the thefts of livestock and agricultural products, which reduce family incomes and weaken the sector. Participants stressed the importance of better organizing the sector, securing production, and strengthening women’s training so that they can fully develop their businesses.