As part of a process to better understand the role of gender in agriculture initiated by the Swedish International Development Agency in 2009, this book presents and analyses a number of case studies from Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Zambia. The case studies illustrate the difficulties inherent in empowering women farmers, as well as revealing a number of important lessons and promising approaches. The book is the result of seminars and a four-day 'writeshop' with 20 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders. The book begins by presenting the conceptual framework behind the research, which places empowerment as the primary focus whilst recognising the complexity of both the problem and intervention. Next, the book discusses the institutional settings that can encourage greater gender equity, with a case study from Ghana showing how to develop gender-responsive budgeting in the agricultural sector. Other subjects covered include: capturing data on gender; household methodologies; community empowerment; land; value chains; and ‘climate-smart’ agriculture and beyond. Each section uses between two and four case studies to illustrate the importance and possibility of enacting gender equity in agriculture. In the conclusion to the book, a number of general patterns identified from the case studies are presented:Gender roles affect how systems work at all levels, from the household right up to global socio-economic institutions.
Agriculture in particular is greatly affected by gender interaction; enabling new ways to interact presents an opportunity for unlocking important resources for food production and poverty alleviation.
Support from all levels is required to implement broad solutions to the problems created by gender inequality.
‘Think globally, act locally’ is a useful approach with regard to agriculture, with enabling policies working together with action at the local level.
Local action requires structures that facilitate grassroots knowledge and participation.
Individuals must organise themselves, both to press for change, and to make it feasible to reach them with programmes and investment.
Conflict and confrontation should be minimised through the design of enabling environments, so as to maximise the effectiveness of people whose input into agricultural production must be strengthened.