We are all well here in Scotland and very busy, the vegetable garden is burgeoning and needing lots of weeding the hens are laying well but seem to have a fatal affinity with my flower beds! Jacob is growing up very fast and we are enjoying all the times that we have together.

I would like to share with you a very interesting article printed by a leading environmental campaigner. It discussed the empowerment of women by organic cotton growing in Africa. At first glance it is difficult to see the connection but there is in fact a close relationship between the two. In Africa cotton has been traditionally male dominated. Women are simply a source of cheap labour. Their swift hands are appreciated and they are generally more careful with the plants.

Since the introduction of organic cotton growing the number of areas cultivated by women has increased and continues to do so. Women welcome the opportunity of being able to work independently and without risk to their health. Statistics show that there has been a significant increase of women active in organic cotton cultivation. Of 40 farmers who showed interest in taking part in organic cotton project in Zimbabwe 90% were women.

Organic cotton cultivation promotes health during a number of organic cotton growing campaigns in Benin no cases of poisoning occurred, whereas in conventional cultivation there are often cases of dizziness, vomiting and even death due to incorrect use of pesticides. It is known that some pesticides can damage the health of pregnant women and they are advised not to work with pesticides during the first weeks of pregnancy. However a study showed that almost half of female pesticide users had sprayed pesticides during pregnancy many before they even knew they were pregnant. It has been suggested that women are more aware of the health risks involved in the use of pesticides and prefer biological cultivation methods as this allows them to work in the fields during pregnancy without risk to their unborn children. In addition with organic cultivation traditional knowledge is put to use. In conventional cultivation it is common for families to be put at risk from pesticides when empty pesticide containers are used for water collection and storing chicken feed etc.

The most obvious difference between men and women in conventional cultivation is that women do not have the same access as men to resources and to the associations of small scale farmers via which manure and pesticides are distributed, this is due to socio-cultural reasons and their presence is not tolerated. They are therefore at a great disadvantage if they wish to cultivate independently. Many women disappointed and worried about conventional methods of cultivation turn to organic cotton. They are able to be directly involved in cotton campaigns and workshops. They receive their own piece of land and can make their own decisions about how to work it. The seeds for pest control and manure required for organic cultivation methods are locally available and cost less than synthetic products. Resources are not ordered from large companies therefore the women are not dependent on male dominated groups to purchase the inputs such as seeds and manure. Above all organic cotton guarantees stable sales prices through the organic premium and also a secure purchase of the harvest that ensures a steady income which is the main criteria for the decision for organic cultivation.

Support is necessary; because in many African countries a woman’s position as an individual is weak it makes sense therefore to support women farmers by contacting or establishing women’s groups who can work together. Some women particularly widows are especially in need of help from outside so that they can earn their own keep. If women are better educated and a women’s group exists locally the number of participants increases. Educated women take on a position of responsibility and act as a role model, and are able to maintain contact with developmental organisations. When women are able to earn their own income and have a possibility of deciding how the money will be spent they become more independent. With external help small scale farmers can start small farms which due to sustainable cultivation do not exhaust the soils fertility and ensure a steady income. The prospect of a little more independence and working in cotton fields with no health hazards is convincing.

If you feel inclined please let me have feedback on this article is it interesting ? Is this the sort of information you are looking for?