Women working in farming industry take part in health and well-being research

The research, by the university’s Centre for Rural Policy Research and The Farming Community Network, will provide crucial insights into farming and gender-specific stressors that can affect women in agriculture, as well as barriers to accessing relevant support.

Previous studies show a significant number of women in UK agriculture suffer from poor mental health; however, the topic has been rarely researched in the past.

Vital role in farming sector

The study, called ‘Understanding health and wellbeing among farm women: a life-course approach’, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), started this month and is led by Dr Rebecca Wheeler from the CRPR.

It will include surveys and detailed interviews to provide insights into the farming and gender-specific stressors that can affect women in agriculture, as well as the impacts on both their physical and mental health and well-being.

It will also explore the ways in which women experience and understand their health through, and in relation to, their bodies — with a focus on how this may change across the life-course, during periods of high stress or trauma, and in relation to their reproductive lives.

Dr Rebecca Wheeler, project lead and senior research fellow at the CRPR, said: “Women play vital roles in running and supporting farm businesses and households, but the implications (both good and bad) of farming life for their physical and mental health has not always been given the attention it deserves.

“This research will change that by listening to women’s own experiences of health throughout their lives, shining a light on gender-specific issues, and exploring ways of supporting and maintaining better wellbeing in the future. We are thrilled to be working with FCN on this project, which addresses such an important topic.”

‘Women’s voices are rarely heard’

Linda Jones, national manager (Wales) at The Farming Community Network, added: “Farm women’s voices are rarely heard, and in general, society does not understand the unique challenges they face having to be often an off-farm earner, main care-giver, farm secretary, as well as active participants in actual farming events such as at lambing time.

“This research will provide us with much-needed evidence to start addressing their wellbeing needs.”

An advisory board consisting of industry representatives, including mental health organisations, will provide input, guidance and feedback throughout the project.

Keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved in the research over the coming months by following FCN and the CRPR on their websites and LinkedIn.

You can also contact Dr Becca Wheeler for further information at r.wheeler3@exeter.ac.uk.

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