ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews what is known about the relationship between women and technological change in agriculture. It describes technology as the means and processes used to increase agricultural productivity, such as mechanical, technical, and biological innovations. The chapter deals with an overview of literature which deals with the impact of new technology on women’s roles. It discusses works which deal with women’s access to technology and literature which suggests strategies that could be used to bring about sensitivity to gender issues at the policy, planning, and practice levels. The chapter offers suggestions for future directions in research and policy, arguing that further effort is needed to fill data gaps, to develop theoretical and analytical tools, and to document how action, leadership, and advocacy might strengthen women’s position in agricultural development. A useful distinction might be drawn between modernization of agriculture and the development of capitalist relations of production.
