The benefits of investing in breastfeeding and paid maternity leave in agrifood systems
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Women are essential contributors to agrifood systems but continue to face structural inequalities, including limited access to paid maternity leave and fair employment protections, particularly in informal employment roles. This technical brief presents evidence on the benefits of investing in breastfeeding and paid maternity leave for women working in agrifood systems as complementary interventions to improve maternal and child health and nutrition outcomes. It outlines the economic, environmental and social value of breastfeeding, and examines how paid maternity leave supports optimal breastfeeding practices, women’s well-being and workforce participation. Drawing on feasibility studies and policy experiences, the brief reviews approaches to extending maternity protection across formal and informal agrifood sectors, highlighting that such investments are feasible and cost-effective when compared with the economic losses associated with suboptimal breastfeeding. It situates paid maternity leave within relevant global policy frameworks and underscores its role in promoting more equitable, inclusive, resilient and nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems.