Unlocking Potential to Advance Performance in Brazilian Value Chains

Global evidence shows that women receive a lower share of labour income than men in every region, while their disproportionate responsibility for unpaid work continues to restrict economic opportunity, leadership, and wealth accumulation.

Drawing on value chain analysis, desk research, and interviews with more than thirty stakeholders, the study Women in Brazilian Agribusiness Value Chains examines gender dynamics across soy, cocoa, coffee, citrus, sugarcane, and beef. It shows a consistent pattern: women are increasingly active across these value chains, yet they continue to face structural barriers to equal access to land, credit, income, leadership opportunities, and technical assistance. 

Only 19% of rural establishments in Brazil are managed by women, most of them small-scale operations. Despite higher average levels of education, women remain concentrated in lower-value roles and continue to earn less than men.

At the same time, the study points to a clear opportunity. Women are already contributing to innovation, sustainability, and more resilient business models across agribusiness value chains, often without adequate recognition or institutional support. Advancing gender equity in agribusiness is therefore not only a matter of fairness, but also a strategic imperative. Inclusive practices can strengthen productivity and quality, improve risk management and innovation, enhance ESG performance and investor appeal, and support stronger generational continuity and workforce retention.

For IDH and its partners, this is central to how markets evolve. Through the AGRI3 Technical Assistance Facility, IDH works with financial institutions, companies, and value chain actors to translate these insights into investment strategies, sourcing practices, and technical support that expand opportunities for women while strengthening overall value chain performance. Embedding gender equity into core business and financing models is essential to building agricultural systems that are resilient, competitive, and future-ready.

The report outlines a shared agenda for producers, companies, investors, and other sector actors. It identifies six priority areas for action: family succession, employment and job access, remuneration, access to resources, leadership, and representation and recognition. Together, these themes provide a practical framework for addressing persistent gender-based constraints while improving sector-wide performance.

Dive into the full report to understand what needs to change, and what we can unlock if we act: 

Final Report: Women in Brazilian Agribusiness Value Chains

Executive Summary: A shared agenda for producers, companies, and investors

Strategic Recommendations: Strategic Recommendations for all Value Chain Stakeholders