An analysis of the current working and living conditions
Since the 1970s, studies on female farmers have been conducted in Austria every 10 years (1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016), initiated by the Austrian Female Farmers Working Group (ARGE Bäuerinnen). The questions (questionnaires) on the working and living conditions of women farmers remained essentially the same throughout the entire period. The present project is part of the implementation evaluation of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (GSP 23-27), specifically for the evaluation topic ‘Equality’, which is addressed under Specific Objective 8 in GSP 23-27. In the course of this, questions regarding female farmers' experiences with the use of GSP 23-27 interventions are to be answered.
Objective
The objective of the project is to continue the panel survey on the situation of female farmers in Austria. The recurring questions enable comparison with the results of previous studies and allow conclusions to be drawn about trends and developments. The study takes a mixed-methods approach, comprising a quantitative online panel survey and exploratory surveys (introductory workshops, expert interviews, qualitative interviews, focus groups). The exploratory elements of the research design aim to gain in-depth insights into current issues, problems and needs of women in all stages of life and age groups on agricultural and forestry holdings. The quantitative online panel survey also includes additional questions on social security and on social, ecological and agricultural transformations and how they are assessed by the women surveyed on agricultural and forestry holdings. In addition, in order to evaluate the topic of ‘gender equality’ within the framework of GSP 23-27, questions will be asked about experiences with the use of GSP 23-27 interventions.
Planned schedule and implementation
Work package 1: Project management and communication
As part of the 2026 Women Farmers Study, three joint meetings will be held with the client and the project steering group. Specific meetings with a subgroup of the steering group will be held to discuss the quantitative and qualitative survey instruments.
Work package 2: State of research
A literature and document analysis will be carried out at the start of the project. A detailed study of previous studies and current studies from the DACH region will provide thematic input for the quantitative and qualitative surveys. Topics that are considered relevant in German-speaking countries and in the EU will be taken into account. This will be done by reviewing national and international literature on the situation of women in agriculture and the future prospects of young farmers, and by analysing strategy papers, policy briefs and expert reports in the context of Austrian and EU agricultural policy.
Work package 3: Introductory workshops
The introductory workshops serve to identify relevant topics, problems and needs for women in agricultural and forestry businesses in Austria. The regionally clustered introductory workshops in western, southern and eastern Austria are intended to provide thematic input for the subsequent quantitative and qualitative surveys. If necessary, up to five expert interviews will be conducted following these introductory workshops in order to explore any questions arising from the introductory workshops and findings from work package 2 in greater depth.
Work package 4: Quantitative survey
In order to conduct the quantitative survey of female farmers in Austria, it is necessary to define a representative sample with adequate stratification. In the course of drawing the sample, technical exchange with the client will be sought. Furthermore, the questionnaire batteries from previous studies will be updated and additional questions will be defined, also with regard to the implementation evaluation of GSP 23-27. The quantitative panel survey will be conducted online and subsequently evaluated using SPSS or R. The results will then be contextualised and presented in tabular and graphical form.
Work package 5: Qualitative surveys
The qualitative interviews serve to deepen the relevant topics covered in the results workshops and in the quantitative survey. Five to eight interviews are planned in each of the western, eastern and southern regions, i.e. a total of 15 to 24 interviews for the whole of Austria. In accordance with the qualitative survey method, this work package does not aim to be representative. In addition to female farmers on family-run agricultural and forestry businesses, the interview partners should also include women on businesses with other legal entities and new entrants.
Work package 6: Focus group results discussion
The findings of the quantitative survey and the exploratory qualitative elements will be discussed and validated together in the ‘results discussion’ focus group. The focus group is expected to provide feedback on the final presentation of the survey results, evaluate findings for the evaluation and develop possible recommendations for action to be taken by the administration, interest groups and politicians.
Work package 7: Writing the research report
The research report will be written using the extensive empirical results obtained during the course of the 2026 study on female farmers.
Work package 8: Dissemination of results
Following the submission of the report, the dissemination of the results will begin. The utilisation of the results of this basic study includes publication in scientific journals, presentation of the results at international conferences, and intensive exchange of findings within the scientific community.
This project is being carried out in cooperation with BAB-Project.
Duration
Project start: 10/2025
Project end: 12/2026
