How does gender shape the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices? Evidence from Belgium
(2026) Journal of Rural Studies — Vol. 121, n° 103919 (2026)
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- Abstract
- While many studies focus on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAP), gender is an oftenoverlooked factor in research on high-income countries, especially in Europe. This is remarkable as women constitute a substantial and increasing part of the agricultural workforce, and the gender disparities they face are gaining attention from civil society and policy makers. We address this research gap by exploring how gender shapes the adoption of SAP in the field crop sector in Wallonia, Belgium. We conduct semi-structured interviews with 29 farmers and a thematic analysis, distinguishing between the practices of reduced input use, soil conservation and agrobiodiversity. Our results suggest that gender plays a key role in SAP adoption, and acts as a mediating factor in terms of attitudes and perceptions about SAP, farms’ economic diversification, membership of farmer groups, access to equipment and advisory services, and dependency on outsourcing. Some of these act as enablers for women farmers but most represent barriers. We reveal some novel insights, particularly linked to the field crop sector, which represents 24 % of European land use and tends to be more masculine than other previously studied sectors. To stimulate the adoption of SAP, policies should prioritize gender-inclusive agricultural environments and address women-specific challenges. Greater inclusion could encourage more women to pursue farming careers, thereby enhancing their skills, training and confidence. It would also foster knowledge-sharing, resource access, and technical support, which are all crucial for higher levels of SAP adoption.
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Henrotte, S., & Van den Broeck, G. (2026). How does gender shape the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices? Evidence from Belgium. Journal of Rural Studies, 121(103919). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103919 (Original work published 2026)