GENDER ROLES IN AGRICULTURAL DECISION-MAKING AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

This study aims to analyze the impact of gender on decision-making in agriculture based on a PRISMA 2020-
guided systematic review of published literature. The study focused on empirical studies published between
2018 and 2024 that concerned the role of gender in crop selection, labor division, and resource allocation in
developing and emerging countries. 100 records were searched across multiple academic databases, of which six
empirical studies met the criteria. Findings show that gender differentials still exist in decision-making, with
men usually having the final authority to decide and take control of agricultural strategies, while women, on the
other hand, remain responsible for labor-intensive and unpaid household tasks. The existence of joint decisionmaking has been documented; yet, imbalances persist, limiting women's influence in accessing various
allocations and opportunities. The review emphasizes the importance of enhancing women’s gender-responsive
policies in agriculture, as well as interventions that empower and enhance women’s decision-making
capabilities to improve household productivity and achieve sustainability