The Effects of Gender Inequity on Global Food Insecurity

Abstract

Women’s role in agriculture largely went unacknowledged until the 1970s. Since that time, feminist researchers have revealed how female labor in the production of food is critical. Women not only grow, sell, buy, and prepare food, but are also involved in agricultural businesses. This dissertation includes (1) a scoping study identifying research-based literature that addresses the relationship between gender inequity and food insecurity, (2) a cross-sectional, nonexperimental study examining the effects of gender inequity on global food insecurity, and (3) an application piece with strategic teaching recommendations for postsecondary education in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. The scoping study revealed a gap in research-based literature addressing a relationship between gender inequity and food insecurity in the disciplines of sociology, health, and agriculture. The cross-sectional, nonexperimental study presented empirical evidence on the relationship between gender inequity and food insecurity across 112 countries. The analyses treated gender inequity as the independent variable and food insecurity as the dependent variable. Findings revealed that countries with higher levels of gender inequity were more food insecure than countries with lower levels of gender inequity. Results also indicated that higher levels of gender inequity are associated with lower levels of basic human needs being met, higher levels of corruption, lower female education, and lower gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. To apply this research, recommendations were made to the FANH sciences postsecondary education. This dissertation confirmed women’s essential role in achieving food security. Gender inequity cannot be viewed as an unassociated factor in regard to food insecurity, but a predictor. In addition, this research builds on previous efforts to study the farreaching effects of gender inequity on a global scale. More broadly, this research provides empirical results on which experts can base practice and policy decisions. Most importantly, this study treats women as a vital resource to achieving food security and improving holistic development.