Gender Equity in Agricultural Credit Access Among Rural Women Farmers in Malawi: A Policy Perspective

Rural women farmers in Malawi face significant barriers to accessing agricultural credit, which hinders their economic empowerment and contributes to persistent poverty. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from existing government records and surveys conducted among rural women farmers. Findings indicate that only 30% of surveyed female farmers have access to agricultural credit compared to over 60% of male farmers, highlighting a significant gender disparity in credit access. Current policies aimed at increasing agricultural credit access for women farmers are insufficient and need tailored interventions focusing on reducing financial barriers and improving outreach mechanisms. Recommendation 1: Implement targeted financial literacy programmes to enhance women's understanding of available credit products. Recommendation 2: Strengthen partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities to facilitate more inclusive access to credit. rural women farmers, agricultural credit, gender equity, Malawi policy