Side Event: Rural women, agri tourism and digitalization

Background

Agritourism has high potential to serve as a factor for economic stability in times of multiple crises, by creating jobs, preserving rural and ecological landscapes, promoting local products and contributing to recreation needs. The advantages of agricultural tourism are particularly important for rural women, and include the diversification of sources of income, the creation of marketing opportunities for agricultural and handmade products, and the longer-term contribution to women’s economic empowerment. In recent years, agritourism has become increasingly associated with digital transformation and the benefits and opportunities that open up because of this connection. However, despite the fact that rural areas in the region are generally well covered by mobile and internet services, the ‘triple divide’ – a digital, rural and gender divide – places women working in small farms in rural areas in the most marginalized position when it comes to access to and use of ICTs. Among other things, the divide further contributes to the gender pay gap, with women earning between 60 and 85 percent of men’s salaries and having lower access to decent jobs and off-farm employment. This increases their risk of falling into poverty, especially in older age.

There is a lack of experience sharing in the region on the ways in which agritourism can act as a driver for local development, and furthermore, how digital tools can be used to their full potential and how rural women can benefit. This side event addressed the knowledge gap by showcasing promising practices from the region which focus on bridging the divide between urban and rural populations, narrowing gender gaps and promoting sustainable development. The side event addressed the intersection of multiple SDGs, including: SDG 1 – No Poverty; SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.