Women in Agribusiness: The Impact of Gender- Diverse Teams on Value Chain Performance in Emerging Economies

In the context of emerging economies, agribusinesses are increasingly recognized not only as engines of economic growth but also as potential platforms for advancing gender equity. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles and technical positions within agribusiness value chains. This paper conceptually explores the impact of gender-diverse teams on agribusiness value chain performance, emphasizing the role of inclusive participation in enhancing coordination, innovation, and economic outcomes across the chain. Drawing on insights from Gender and Development (GAD) theory and Value Chain Theory, the paper posits that gender-diverse teams contribute to improved responsiveness, greater trust among chain actors, and more inclusive distribution of resources and benefits. Through an integrative review of literature from agricultural economics, development studies, and organizational behavior, this study synthesizes evidence to propose a conceptual framework linking gender diversity within agribusiness teams to critical performance indicators such as efficiency, coordination, and market adaptability. The paper further identifies institutional and cultural barriers that hinder gender inclusion and proposes strategic recommendations for policymakers, agribusiness firms, and development agencies. By highlighting the overlooked value of gender-diverse team structures in agricultural systems, this paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable and inclusive agribusiness development in low- and middle-income countries, and offers a roadmap for rethinking gender roles as a core component of value chain performance.