Women are an integral part of agriculture. But they usually work in the background. The balancing act between farm and family is difficult. What are the biggest challenges facing female farmers today and can politics help to support the women?
‘The women feel the heavy workload, but they appreciate their life in nature and with the animals.’
Dr. Zazie von Davier, one of the lead researchers involved in the research project on women on farms.
One in three agricultural workers is a woman. Stable and farm work, bookkeeping, administration – these are just some of the jobs that the women do. In addition, they are often responsible for childcare, supporting the older generation and running the household. Farm management, on the other hand, is usually in the hands of men. This means: few holidays, hardly any time for themselves and their partners and often financial dependence. At the same time, women value their life in and with nature and their independence.
For a long time, the living conditions of women in agriculture remained invisible. The last comparable nationwide study dates back to 1988. The current study on women on farms, which was conducted by the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics and the University of Göttingen from 2019 to 2022, is now making female farmer´s lives visible again through a combination of research and photography. What has been shown: Women in agriculture today are more likely to have a university degree and are increasingly working outside the farm – in addition to their work on the farm. However, the distribution of housework remains almost unchanged.
'The rural women's organisations were very grateful that they now have numbers for something that was previously a feeling. They can use them to go into politics and strengthen their representation.'
Dr. Zazie von Davier, researcher at the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics.
Scientists surveyed more than 7,000 women for the study on women on farms and summarised their situation in figures. Photographer Anna Tiessen also visited and portrayed some of the women on their farms. The research project was supported by the Landfrauenverband.
'When I arrived at an elderly lady's farm, the very first thing I was asked to do was to go into the parlour and then there was coffee and cake. It was all very, very homely and somehow nice.'
Anna Tiessen, photographer of the research project on women on farms.
Dr. Zazie von Davier, one of the scientists in charge of the study on women on farms, and photographer Anna Tiessen explain how the study came about and what it has achieved so far in the new episode of the Thünen podcast ’45 Minuten Zukunft’. They talk about whether and what the project has moved in society and share stories that have touched them personally.
This live podcast episode was recorded in front of an audience at the Wissenschaftsschaufenster in the beginning of May 2025. Our sincere thanks go to the Science and Art Lab, who hosted us on that evening.
The photo exhibition "Frauen. Leben. Landwirtschaft." with portraits by Anna Tiessen will be on display in the Wissenschaftsschaufenster (Waisenhausdamm 8, 38100 Braunschweig) for four weeks from 23 June 2025.
Further links and literature:
- The photo brochure Frauen. Leben. Landwirtschaft shows selected results of the research project on women on farms and introduces the female farmers who were portrayed in the study. (in German).
- The Thünen Institute's dossier on women in rural areas provides current data and background information on the topic.
- The information website of the study on women on farms provides background information, details of the methodology, and contact persons. (in German).
- The homepage of the German Landfrauenverband. (in German)
- Further information on the study on the living and working situation of women in agriculture is provided by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). (in German)
- Current information on the photo exhibition and other events at the Wissenschaftsschaufenster Braunschweig can be found on the Thünen Institute's events page.
Anna Tiessen is a photographer specialising in youth and agriculture. She grew up on a farm herself.
Dr. Zazie von Davier is a scientist at the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics and an expert on the living conditions of women on farms in Germany.
Dr. Katrin Schiedung, science communicator in the Thünen Institute's Public Relations office.
