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Abstract

Working in agriculture is demanding and complex, which can lead to stress-induced health and mental health problems, including suicide. There is limited scholarly literature on the topic of women and stress in the agricultural industry, so this research study aims to fill this gap by reporting on the challenging lived experiences of women working in agriculture—a frequently overlooked population. We used a phenomenological design to perform semi-structured interviews exclusively with women (at least eighteen years old) who work in agriculture as principal operators—the primary decision-makers of their enterprise. A thematic analysis was conducted with the data from the twenty-five women that were interviewed. The analysis revealed several key themes: the effect of stress on job performance, stress management and reduction strategies, limited resources for support, and the need for mental health services. Our study revealed that 96% of the women experienced stress and encountered significant challenges to access mental health care as none of the jobs offered an employee assistance program (EAP) or private health insurance. Our data suggests that stress has a significant impact on women principal operators and that there is a lack of formal support to address the challenges that they experience. Their physical health is severely deteriorated by ongoing stress, which manifests as musculoskeletal pain, chronic fatigue, and heightened susceptibility to illness. Additionally, their mental health is severely impacted by the high rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout caused by their work in agriculture. Their ability to maintain productivity, implement creative techniques, and make wise farm management decisions is thus weakened. As a result, these women face endangerment to their livelihoods, the food security of their families and communities, and their overall quality of life, which frequently results in social exclusion and a diminished sense of agency. Understanding the impact of stress on women principal operators may provide opportunities for increased mental health services in rural agricultural areas. Principal operators who are aware of the potential effects of stress would be better able to take care of their mental health.

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