What challenges do women farmers face in accessing agricultural tools like tractors?

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Women Farmers Face Significant Barriers to Acquiring Agricultural Machinery

Women farmers in remote Afghan communities, such as Eshtiwi, confront substantial obstacles in accessing essential agricultural tools like tractors. The prohibitive cost of modern machinery is a primary deterrent, with a single tractor in the village being a rented commodity rather than a commonly owned asset. This economic reality forces farmers like Habiba to continue arduous manual labour, impacting their physical well-being and limiting their productivity.
High Costs Prevent Tractor Ownership

The aspiration for advanced agricultural equipment, exemplified by Habiba's desire for a tractor, remains largely unfulfilled due to prohibitive expenses. Tractors are too costly for individual farmers to purchase, leading to a situation where only one such machine is available within the Eshtiwi village. This sole tractor is subsequently rented out, further restricting access for those who cannot afford the rental fees, thereby perpetuating reliance on manual farming methods.
Limited Availability and Reliance on Rental

Beyond the issue of cost, the sheer scarcity of modern agricultural machinery presents a significant challenge. The presence of just one tractor in the village underscores a broader lack of accessible tools for the farming community. This limited availability necessitates a reliance on rental services, which are themselves subject to availability and affordability, creating a continuous hurdle for farmers seeking to mechanise their operations and ease their physical burdens.
Impact of Manual Labour on Farmers' Well-being

The inability to access tractors and other modern tools directly translates into increased physical strain for women farmers. Individuals like Habiba and Najia report experiencing back and leg pain, a direct consequence of decades of demanding manual agricultural work. This chronic physical discomfort not only affects their quality of life but also potentially impacts their capacity to farm effectively, highlighting the urgent need for accessible mechanisation to alleviate these burdens.

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