Publications
The role of women in agriculture
03/03/2011
The international development community has recognized that agriculture is an engine of growth and poverty reduction in countries where it is the main occupation of the poor. But the agricultural sector in many developing countries is underperforming, in part because women, who represent a crucial resource in agriculture and the rural economy through their roles as farmers, labourers and entrepreneurs, almost everywhere face more severe constraints than men in 48 pp.
Mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains
01/03/2011
This paper assesses the nature of female involvement in cash crop production, which holds significant potential as a means by which rural households can improve their welfare. Through original data analysis, it stresses that women are equally productive as men when they farm with the same resources. 37 pp.
Gender inequality, risk and vulnerability in the rural economy
01/03/2011
Smallholder farmers and poor rural households are vulnerable to both economic and social shocks which hamper their participation in agricultural activities. Well-designed social protection programmes can help to reduce both the risk and vulnerability by building resilience to shocks and stresses. 62 pp.
Intra-household bargaining, gender roles in agriculture and how to promote welfare enhancing changes
01/03/2011
This paper finds that gender inequalities are widespread and that it is important to consider women’s multiple roles as mothers, wives, farmers, entrepreneurs and agents in political life. Moreover, it presents experiences with, and empirical evidence of, empowerment and its potential effects. 47 pp.
Searching for new pathways towards achieving gender equity
01/03/2011
This paper focuses on the foundations of gender planning tools and on conceptual issues that are integral to understanding gender issues today. In particular, it advocates that more attention must be given to gender analysis, and the meaning of gender equity and empowerment.
A review of empirical evidence on gender differences in non-land agricultural inputs, technology, and services in developing countries
01/03/2011
This paper reviews empirical literature on gender differences in use, access and adoption of non-land agricultural inputs in developing countries. It focuses on four key areas: technological resources, natural resources, human resources, and social and political capital. 56 pp.
Rural women’s access to financial services: Credit, savings and insurance
01/03/2011
This paper reviews rural women’s access to financial services, a key factor of successful rural development strategies. Designing appropriate financial products that allow women to save, borrow and insure is essential to increasing their economic opportunities, as well as their role as producers. 30 pp.
Gender and agricultural value chains
01/03/2011
This paper analyses how some factors, such as access to assets, gendered education differentials and the nature and value of economic activities affect the way in which men and women participate in agricultural markets. 32 pp.