While 80% of Tanzanian women live in rural areas, less than 5% of them own land. Gender equality regarding land rights has been law for nearly 20 years, but custom continues to dictate that women can only own land through a husband or male relative. Women farmers know that using irrigation to cope with frequent droughts will increase crop yields, yet are often unable to access the necessary land and water. Tanzanian rights groups, such as the Ardhi Alliance, are working to help women understand their land rights, challenge customary practices, and gain access to their own farm land. Photo credit: REUTERS/Katrina Manson
