ABSTRACT
Data on the importance of women's role in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa and the social structures supporting the women's role are considered to clarify the interaction between the production systems and the social systems. The results are discussed with respect to their impact on the two-sector ‘agriculture-industry’ development models and their implications for future development. The paper concludes that women's role in agriculture supported past development but that the failure to recognise/enhance their activities is contributing to current problems with the food supply which can be overcome most effectively by working with rather than against the women.
