What is it about?
This study looks at how men and women farmers in Hungary differ when it comes to farming in environmentally friendly ways. The researchers examined data from crop farms between 2015 and 2020 and found that, on average, farms led by women were better at using resources efficiently while causing less environmental harm. Even though women-led farms were usually smaller and had fewer resources, they tended to get more done with less, suggesting they manage their farms in more eco-friendly ways. The study also found that this advantage wasn’t just due to farm size or other measurable factors—it may be linked to different management styles, decision-making approaches, or values that women bring to farming. Supporting women in agriculture with better access to land, knowledge, and technology could help make farming more sustainable for everyone. These findings show how gender plays an important role in shaping environmentally responsible farming and why it’s important to include women in policies aimed at sustainable agriculture.
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Why is it important?
This study is one of the first to explore gender differences in eco-efficiency among farms in Central and Eastern Europe using both advanced statistical methods and real-world farm data over multiple years. While gender issues and environmental sustainability are both well-discussed topics, they are rarely studied together in this way—especially in the context of Hungarian agriculture. The findings are especially timely as governments and international organizations push for more sustainable food systems and greater gender equality in farming. By showing that women-led farms are not only equally productive but also more environmentally efficient, this research challenges common assumptions and highlights the untapped potential of women farmers in driving greener agriculture. These insights could help shape smarter agricultural policies that both empower women and protect the environment.
Perspectives
As a researcher, I’ve long been interested in the intersection of equity and sustainability in agriculture. This study gave me a rare opportunity to explore how gender—a social factor that is often overlooked in technical efficiency studies—can shape environmental outcomes on farms. What struck me most was how women farmers, often operating with fewer resources, consistently outperformed their male counterparts in terms of eco-efficiency. It reinforced my belief that resilience and innovation often come from the margins, and that supporting underrepresented groups in agriculture isn't just a matter of fairness—it’s a smart strategy for sustainability. This project also deepened my appreciation for how detailed, long-term data like that from the FADN can reveal meaningful, policy-relevant insights when paired with the right analytical tools. I hope this work contributes to broader discussions about inclusive agricultural development and inspires further research that takes social dynamics seriously in environmental assessments.
Professor Imre Fertő
Eotvos Lorand Tudomanyegyetem
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Gender-based differences in eco-efficient farming, Scientific Reports, May 2025, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-00584-4.
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