Celebrating Rural Women: The Heartbeat of Abruzzo’s Sustainable Agriculture

Across Abruzzo’s 4 provinces, women are shaping the future of farming. This week, CIA–Agricoltori Italiani Abruzzo and its women’s association, Donne in Campo, are highlighting their vital contributions to agriculture and the lives of Abruzzo’s inland communities.

In Italy, one in three agricultural workers is a woman. In Abruzzo, 15,545 farms are run by women, making up 35% of all farms. These numbers underscore innovation, sustainability, and a strong commitment to land stewardship.

“Rural women are the true protagonists of change,”
says Annamaria D’Alonzo, president of Donne in Campo Abruzzo.
“They preserve traditions, experiment with new business models, and maintain ties to the land, ensuring food security and landscape care. But more support is needed to overcome obstacles related to access to land, credit, and service networks.”

Women as Guardians of the Land

This year, Donne in Campo and CIA chose the theme ‘Rural Women: Vital Energy for a Healthy Territory’ for the International Day of Rural Women and their National Assembly in Rome on October 15 and 16. This theme reminds us that women are not only guardians of the land but also play a key role in creating a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural model.

In Abruzzo, women are taking on more leadership roles in farming as the job market slowly improves. In 2024, the female unemployment rate decreased from 9.0% to 7.9%, while the overall regional rate remained at 7.2%. This shows that targeted support for women can strengthen both farms and local economies.

According to CIA, women are a key resource for food production, social cohesion, and ecological transition. Many female farmers in Abruzzo run multifunctional farms that combine agriculture with agritourism, education, and artisanal food production. These efforts help combat rural depopulation, create employment opportunities, and stimulate local economies.

The Need for Greater Support

While women are driving innovation and sustainability forward, many still face barriers to success. Access to land, credit, and training remains limited, and support networks are often lacking in rural areas.

“Women are the most authentic face of an agriculture that innovates, endures, and builds a future in rural areas,”
D’Alonzo adds.
“Supporting their growth means supporting the country’s development.”

Recognising Rural Women Every Day

Rural Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate these significant contributions and to advocate for effective policies, such as equal access to agricultural funding, enhanced training, and robust local networks. These steps can help ensure equal opportunities and recognition for those who keep Abruzzo’s landscapes thriving. In every olive grove, vineyard, and mountain pasture, women’s work supports families and the heart of rural Italy. Let’s come together to support and advocate for rural women in Abruzzo. Get involved, speak up, and help build a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities.

Author: Sam Dunham

Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region.

Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.