Health and Wellbeing of Women in Farming
Health and Wellbeing of Women in Farming
Women have always played vital roles within the farming sector, as farmers and farm workers as well as wives, mothers, daughters and other members of farming families. In many ways they form the backbone of farming in the UK, often working behind the scenes to support and care for the farm business and household. Yet the implications of farming work and life on women’s own health and wellbeing are not always given the attention they deserve.
This research aims to change that by listening to women’s lived experiences about what it is like to be a woman in farming. We want want to hear about the joys and challenges women face, and the various ways in which a farming way of life might interconnect with their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing – both positively and negatively.
We are also asking how women can be better supported to enjoy good health and happiness, and to access appropriate forms of care in times of need. This will inform the work of farming charities, industry bodies and public health practitioners, helping to ensure that the help they offer is optimally tailored to women in farming.
We will be using a variety of research methods to meet these aims, including a questionnaire survey, one-to-one interviews, focus groups and a programme of creative workshops. Please see the Get Involved page for more information about how to take part.
Project funding
This 3-year project (from January 2025) is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The full study title is Understanding health and wellbeing among farm women: a life-course approach.
The Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) is an inter-disciplinary team of social scientists focussing on social, political and economic issues at the intersection of land, the environment, farming and food systems.
The research and training carried out by the CRPR has long been used to inform governments, businesses and communities about issues in rural, environmental, agricultural and food policies and practices, and to propose solutions to problems in these spheres.
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a UK-wide voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming and ‘walk with’ people at times of difficulty and change. FCN has a wide network of volunteers, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farm workers and farming families regularly face.
FCN provides local support through volunteer county groups, and operates a confidential helpline (03000 111 999, open 7am-11pm every day of the year) and e-helpline (help@fcn.org.uk). Each year the charity reaches over 10,000 people, supporting on a wide variety of issues including succession planning, animal disease, mental ill-health and financial concerns.
Through the charity’s FarmWell website (farmwell.org.uk), campaigns, initiatives, community events and research, FCN is taking a proactive and preventative approach to supporting farmers’ health and wellbeing.
