Seasonal Migration and Feminization of Farm Management: Evidence from India

Feminist Economics

Using gender-disaggregated data on land operations from India, this study demonstrates a relationship between seasonal or short-term migration for work and feminisation of farm management. Using a nationally representative dataset covering 35,604 rural Indian households in 2013, the study identifies whether women are taking on the role of farm managers in households with short-term migrants. Results show that women are less likely than men to be decision-makers on farms. This dynamic changes when there is short-term migration in the household, with a greater probability of women being decision-makers on farms. The study highlights the importance of unpacking the feminisation process to understand better the role of women as farm managers and the need to support this transition to ensure that women farmers realise their full potential.