Empowering Rural Women through Technological Innovation: Pathways to Livelihood Security

Folake Lanre-Babalola; Musediq   Olufemi Lawal; Timileyin  Gabriel Olajuwon; Olonade Zaccheaus Olufunminiyi; Young  Kenneth Irhue

doi:10.34118/sej.v8i3.4865

Folake Lanre-Babalola Department of Sociology and Criminology, Osun State University, (Nigeria) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8262-5535
Musediq Olufemi Lawal Department of Sociology and Criminology, Osun State University, (Nigeria) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3667-2533
Timileyin Gabriel Olajuwon Institute for Social Development, University of the Western Cape، (South Africa) https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0077-2424
Olonade Zaccheaus Olufunminiyi Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources, Osun State University, (Nigeria), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8815-5677
Young Kenneth Irhue Department of Political Sciences, Osun State University, (Nigeria) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4608-1304

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34118/sej.v8i3.4865

Keywords: Rural women, Technological innovation, Livelihood security, Women empowerment, Digital inclusio

Abstract

Rural women remain central to agricultural production and household welfare, yet they continue to face structural constraints that undermine their livelihood security. Limited access to productive resources, financial services, and technological tools exacerbates their socio-economic vulnerability, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores how technological innovation can provide pathways to rural women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihood security. Adopting a qualitative integrative review and documentary analysis approach, the study draws on policy documents, development reports, and recent scholarly literature, published between 2010 and 2026 to examine the intersection between gender, technology, and rural development. The analysis indicates that digital financial services, agricultural technologies, ICT-enabled services, and renewable energy technologies can improve women’s access to markets, information, and income-generating opportunities. These innovations not only enhance productivity but also strengthen women’s agency, decision-making capacity, and resilience to economic and environmental shocks. However, the analysis indicates that technological access does not automatically translate into empowerment; its benefits depend on women’s capabilities, control over resources, and ability to participate in livelihood and household decision-making. More so, persistent barriers such as digital illiteracy, infrastructural deficits, and socio-cultural norms continue to limit the full realization of these benefits. The study concludes that targeted, gender-responsive policies and inclusive technological frameworks are essential for fostering equitable development and long-term livelihood security among rural women.

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