Mainstreming Gender in Agriculture Sector

Agriculture', says the Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) 'will continue to play the mainrole in the growth and stability of the economy of Bangladesh for many years to come'.

This statement can hardly be ignored since the agriculture sector still accounts for one-third of the GDP and employs two-thirds of the labour force. The crop sub-sector dominates the 'agricultural scenario', while the other sub-sector (i.e. live-stock, fisheries and forestry) holds great potential for promoting growth, employment as well as equity in income distribution. Since the rapid development of agriculture is critically linked with the national poverty reduction goal through the overall development of the economy, we can neglect this sector only to our own peril.

This brings us to the much debated issue of the status of female and male actors and stakeholders engaged and involved in this sector in various capacities. Hence, the gender perspective can hardly be avoided in a discussion on the agriculture sector and its development.