South Africa’s land policies have increased women’s
participation in agriculture, but limited information
exists about their agricultural activities. We surveyed
911 women working on the Makhatini Flats in Northern
KwaZulu-Natal in 2006, gathering data on demographics,
agricultural activities, crop production and
pesticide use in both irrigated and Dryland areas. Average
age of participants was 41.9, with Drylands women
slightly older. Education levels were low among both
groups, but lowest in the Drylands. Drylands women
were more likely to engage in reported agricultural
activities, including pesticide spraying. Use of World
Health Organization class I and II pesticides was
reported in both areas. Farm ownership, age < 30 years,
and being a sprayer were associated with knowledge of
the names of pesticides utilized. This analysis suggests
that women on the Drylands face greater risk of
adverse ergonomic health outcomes and women from
both areas are equally at risk for adverse pesticiderelated
health outcomes.