Gendered dynamics of rural livelihood diversification: Tea farmers in the Black Sea Region of Turkey

Abstract

This study examines the gendered dynamics of rural livelihood diversification in tea farming communities in Rize, Turkey, with the onset of neo-liberal policies. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, the research explores how migration, access to education, and land ownership intersect with the unique characteristics of tea farming, such as its seasonal harvest cycle and labour-intensity, to shape gendered labour division. It highlights how migration intensifies the feminisation of agriculture by increasing women's agricultural and domestic responsibilities. Additionally, education, while a potential pathway for mobility, often reinforces traditional gender roles for female students balancing household duties, agricultural work, and studies. Finally, the study underscores how patriarchal norms in land ownership, marginalise women and consolidate male control over land, perpetuating structural inequalities. By situating these findings within the specific socio-economic and ecological context of tea farming, this study contributes to broader debates on rural livelihood diversification, gender inequalities, and the intersection of agricultural practices with neo-liberal economic policies.