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The challenges of climate change are defined by biophysical unpredictability and the sociocultural context in which communities adjust to these challenges. Gender norms to which women and men generally conform influence women smallholder... more
The challenges of climate change are defined by biophysical unpredictability and the sociocultural context in which communities adjust to these challenges. Gender norms to which women and men generally conform influence women smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change. Understanding the social context within which an intervention is introduced can therefore greatly influence its transformative capacity. This review addresses the evidence on the influence of gender norms on climate-smart agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa through the dual lenses of equitable system productivity and women’s empowerment. It makes a case for inclusive strategies to enhance equitable access to improved seed and other technologies as an adaptation option. We conclude that challenging gender norms around seed systems and extension services in SSA will increase our chance of success in mitigating climate disasters.
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Capacity development is a critical entry point for integration of gender responsiveness in agricultural development, yet there is little reflection on who should be trained, on what, and how. As an opening paper to this special issue, we... more
Capacity development is a critical entry point for integration of gender responsiveness in agricultural development, yet there is little reflection on who should be trained, on what, and how. As an opening paper to this special issue, we ask: What are key aspects of a gender training program that seed attitudinal shifts and practice change in agricultural research teams? To answer this question, we explore how the Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) project has pioneered a training model that seeks to challenge the status quo of crop improvement research, questioning norms and focusing on attitudinal shifts and practice change. We examine the project design, execution and iteration, practical constraints, and impacts on participants. We conclude that GREAT demonstrates the importance of a feminist gender training program for effective social change, with future work needed to deepen exposure to feminist theories and testing models of pairing learning with collaborative research engagements.
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This paper provides evidence of gender differences in the access and control of resources and their relation to participation in rice-breeding activities among men and women farmers in southern Ghana. We used a mixed methods design which... more
This paper provides evidence of gender differences in the access and control of resources and their relation to participation in rice-breeding activities among men and women farmers in southern Ghana. We used a mixed methods design which involved the use of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) and quantitative data collection through a survey. Using data collected from 315 smallholder rice farmers, perception analyses and probit and multivariate regression were employed in the analyses. Our findings indicate that higher levels of education, experience in rice farming, a favorable dependency ratio, larger farm size, more rice plots, access to extension services, and involvement with financial organizations positively influence participation in rice-breeding activities. On the other hand, distance to market is found to have a negative impact on participation. Moreover, years of education, experience in rice farming, farm...
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Adaptation is considered an appropriate response to climate change and variability, especially for the smallholder farmers. However, the response decisions and actions of male and female farmers may be influenced by various factor and... more
Adaptation is considered an appropriate response to climate change and variability, especially for the smallholder farmers. However, the response decisions and actions of male and female farmers may be influenced by various factor and factor combinations that are not adequately understood. We hypothesized that both male and female farmers are climate change conscious and responsive; and that there is a gender dimension to the choice of a climate change adaptation strategy. We utilised a combination of descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to study the factors that influence the choice of a decision to adapt to a climate change scenario. Using cross-sectional data collected from 136 households in eastern Uganda, we undertook the analysis at two levels; pooled sample analysis and a gender disaggregated analysis. Contrary to perceived wisdom and evidence from other empirical studies, the factors that influence the climate change adaptation decision vary considerably b...
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This study was conducted in Uganda to determine whether socio-economic factors influence farmer participation in mixed sex coffee Integrated Pest Management group processes mobilized by the USAID funded Integrated Pest Management... more
This study was conducted in Uganda to determine whether socio-economic factors influence farmer participation in mixed sex coffee Integrated Pest Management group processes mobilized by the USAID funded Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research (IPM CRSP) Program in Uganda. The study used a cross sectional research design and a total 126 (71 men and 55 women) coffee IPM group members were purposively selected. A participation index was computed as a measure of level of participation in group processes. The ordered probit regression model was used to analyze determinants of level of participation in coffee IPM groups processes. Findings revealed that about 46% of the men compared to 25% women rated high on the group participation index with a significant chi-square difference (p< 0.05). Membership in economic groups, being a man, access to extension services, age, total number of household labor and participation in non-farm income generating activities significantly and p...
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The vulnerability of African agriculture to climate change creates key tasks of promoting agricultural adaptations and adaptive capacity in agriculture, and embracing opportunities for low-carbon development in agriculture. Agricultural... more
The vulnerability of African agriculture to climate change creates key tasks of promoting agricultural adaptations and adaptive capacity in agriculture, and embracing opportunities for low-carbon development in agriculture. Agricultural research services, and agricultural advisory services, will be key actors in this work. This report synthesises findings from the project Climate Learning for African Agriculture, assessing how African agricultural research and advisory services are taking account of climate issues in their policies and practices, and how they can better do so in future. The project worked both at a regional level and through case studies in Sierra Leone, Benin, Uganda and Mozambique, with a strong emphasis on shared learning through national- and local-level workshops.
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Le gouvernement d' Ouganda a commence a mettre en application les services de vulgarisation agricole nationaux (NAADS) en 2001 pour augmenter l'acces des pauvres fermiers a l'information agricole appropriee pour un affermage... more
Le gouvernement d' Ouganda a commence a mettre en application les services de vulgarisation agricole nationaux (NAADS) en 2001 pour augmenter l'acces des pauvres fermiers a l'information agricole appropriee pour un affermage profitable. Sous le NAADS, des fournisseurs de service prives contractes (PSPs) fournissent un conseil agricole aux groupes de fermiers enregistres. Cet arrangement a perturbe les relations institutionnelles de la vulgarisation et de la recherche. En consequence, la question ou et comment les conseillers PSPs accedent a l'information agricole pour conseiller les fermiers, est peu claire. Une etude transversale descriptive, utilisant des approches qualitatives et quantitatives, a ete conduite dans deux comtes secondaires des districts d'Arua et de Tororo, pour identifier les sources d'information agricole des PSPs, et les solutions potentielles et existantes a leurs problemes. Les methodes de collecte de donnees ont inclus les questionnair...
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Agricultural innovation systems’ thinking has been adopted in agricultural research and development to harness the actor innovative capabilities, knowledge enhancement and social transformation. Hence there is growing recognition of the... more
Agricultural innovation systems’ thinking has been adopted in agricultural research and development to harness the actor innovative capabilities, knowledge enhancement and social transformation. Hence there is growing recognition of the viability of Innovation platforms (IPs) as an approach to stimulating development of agricultural enterprises due to their emphasis on value chain development, networking and partnerships. However, despite the key role of the formation process in realization of desired outcomes, there is insufficient knowledge on how to form vibrant agricultural innovation platforms under diverse contexts. This study sought to examine the gaps and draw lessons for effective IP formation using the case of the coffee IPs in the four districts of Luwero, Ntungamo, Bushenyi and Rakai in Uganda. Data were collected through key informant interviews with 32 actors of the coffee steering committees and from document review. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using conte...
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Investments in gender training for agricultural researchers have not attained expected outcomes, bringing into question the efficacy of training approaches used. New approaches for transformative gender training need to draw on lessons... more
Investments in gender training for agricultural researchers have not attained expected outcomes, bringing into question the efficacy of training approaches used. New approaches for transformative gender training need to draw on lessons learned from previous courses. This chapter analyses short gender training courses identified using a scoping methodology. Selected courses offered between 2005 and 2015 for scientists in Eastern Africa were critiqued against a theoretical framework for transformative gender training. Also shared is a training model (Gender Responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation course) that addresses gaps in previous courses. The chapter identifies critical lessons for facilitating transformative gender training for non-gender research practitioners which include the need for inter-disciplinary grounding in the disciplines of gender and agriculture, having a phased course delivery and the value of continuous technical support during and after...
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Investments in gender training for agricultural researchers have not attained expected outcomes, bringing into question the efficacy of training approaches used. New approaches for transformative gender training need to draw on lessons... more
Investments in gender training for agricultural researchers have not attained expected outcomes, bringing into question the efficacy of training approaches used. New approaches for transformative gender training need to draw on lessons learned from previous courses. This chapter analyses short gender training courses identified using a scoping methodology. Selected courses offered between 2005 and 2015 for scientists in Eastern Africa were critiqued against a theoretical framework for transformative gender training. Also shared is a training model (Gender Responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation course) that addresses gaps in previous courses. Gender and Practice: Knowledge, Policy, Organizations Advances in Gender Research, Volume 28, 99–118 Copyright © 2020 Margaret Najjingo Mangheni, Hale Ann Tufan, Brenda Boonabana, Peace Musiimenta, Richard Miiro & Jemimah Njuki Published under CCBY 4.0 license ISSN: 1529-2126/doi:10.1108/S1529-212620190000028006 100 MARG...
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This chapter discusses the barriers to climate change adaptation among pastoralists in the Rwenzori region in Western Uganda. Despite the implementation of adaptation programs by public and private agencies, pastoralists still have... more
This chapter discusses the barriers to climate change adaptation among pastoralists in the Rwenzori region in Western Uganda. Despite the implementation of adaptation programs by public and private agencies, pastoralists still have impediments to adapting to climate change. Data was collected using a household survey involving 269 pastoralists. The results revealed that the main barriers were poor access to climate change information, poor access to extension services, high cost of adaptation measures, poor access to credit, and insecure land tenure. There is need to improve capacity building of extension workers and other stakeholders in the dissemination of climate change information. Land tenure and land rights issues should be given high consideration in climate change adaptation policies and programs. Climate finance programs should be made more effective in addressing the high cost of adaptation.
Purpose To determine the nutrition competency level and training needs of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Uganda. Design/Methodology/Approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four districts with 61 private and 163 public... more
Purpose To determine the nutrition competency level and training needs of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Uganda. Design/Methodology/Approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four districts with 61 private and 163 public AEWs. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires and analysed using means, Chi-square and Mean Weighted Discrepancy Score. Findings AEWs require 9 core competence domains: Basic nutrition; Nutrition needs of household members; Hygiene and sanitation; Post-harvest handling; Planning and resource allocation among others. AEWs were above average competence in most (8) competency domains. Private AEWs perceived themselves to be more competent (( = 4.26) than the public AEWs ( ), χ2 (224) = 20.1182, p = < 0.01). Prioritized needs by public and private AEWs were; Understanding nutrition needs of different household members, Farming systems that promote nutrition and Postharvest handling and food safety. Practical Implicatio...
This study was conducted in Uganda to determine whether socio-economic factors influence farmer participation in mixed sex coffee Integrated Pest Management group processes mobilized by the USAID funded Integrated Pest Management... more
This study was conducted in Uganda to determine whether socio-economic factors influence farmer participation in mixed sex coffee Integrated Pest Management group processes mobilized by the USAID funded Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research (IPM CRSP) Program in Uganda. The study used a cross sectional research design and a total 126 (71 men and 55 women) coffee IPM group members by census. A participation index was computed as a measure of level of participation in group processes. The ordered probit regression model was used to analyze determinants of level of participation in coffee IPM groups processes. Findings revealed that about 46% of the men compared to 25% women rated high on the group participation index with a significant chi-square difference (p< 0.05). Membership in economic groups, being a man, access to extension services, age, total number of household labor and participation in non-farm income generating activities significantly and positively influe...
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Agricultural extension services are under increasing pressure to be responsive to the evergrowing challenges of making a difference to the lives of small farmers and the rural poor. The pressure for responsiveness is giving rise to calls... more
Agricultural extension services are under increasing pressure to be responsive to the evergrowing challenges of making a difference to the lives of small farmers and the rural poor. The pressure for responsiveness is giving rise to calls for changes in the traditional public extension systems which are seen as top-down, paternalistic, inflexible, and subject to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Uganda is in the process of transforming its public extension system in conformity with the rest of its economic transformations. The public extension system is being phased out and it is gradually being replaced by a “private provider advisory system.” In operational terms, this means that the private advisory services providers will operate on contract basis with farmer organizations. The new advisory system is going to create new demands on the agricultural education system, not only in terms of appropriate curricula but also in the mode of instruction. This paper presents perceptions of variou...
Globally, gender inequalities constrain food security, with women often disproportionately affected. Women play a fundamental role in household food and nutrition security. The multiple roles women play in various areas of the food system... more
Globally, gender inequalities constrain food security, with women often disproportionately affected. Women play a fundamental role in household food and nutrition security. The multiple roles women play in various areas of the food system are not always recognised. This oversight emerges from an overemphasis on one aspect of the food system, without considering how this area might affect or be affected by another aspect. This study aimed to draw on international commitments and treaties using content analysis to enhance the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Security food systems framework by integrating a gender perspective. The study found that generally, there is a consensus on specific actions that can be taken to advance gender equality at specific stages of the food system. However, governance and social systems constraints that are not necessarily part of the food system, but have a significant bearing on men and women’s capacity to effectively participate in the food syste...
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Despite the dissemination of climate information from national meteorological systems, arable farmers still have challenges of dealing with climate-related risks. This study investigated the effect of using indigenous knowledge-based... more
Despite the dissemination of climate information from national meteorological systems, arable farmers still have challenges of dealing with climate-related risks. This study investigated the effect of using indigenous knowledge-based forecasts (IFs) and scientific knowledge-based forecasts (SFs) on the climate change perceptions of arable farmers in the Rwenzori region, Western Uganda. Data on socio-economic characteristics, use of forecasts, and climate change perceptions was collected from 580 arable farmers and the probit model was used in the analysis. The findings indicated that use of IFs only increased the likelihood of perceiving increase in the frequency in occurrences of droughts and floods. Using both SFs and IFs had a significant positive effect on perception of unpredictable rains and the increase in drought incidence among arable farmers. Although forecasts are important drivers of perceptions, other factors, such as gender, social capital, and dissemination of climate...
Gender Focal Persons (GFPs) are commonly recruited by organisations as part of institutional efforts to mainstream gender. Despite their wide usage, these structures often struggle to achieve the intended goals. The underlying factors... more
Gender Focal Persons (GFPs) are commonly recruited by organisations as part of institutional efforts to mainstream gender. Despite their wide usage, these structures often struggle to achieve the intended goals. The underlying factors that explain their limited success are not well understood; yet, this would inform strategies for institutionalising gender in research institutions. This paper traces the genesis and operationalisation of the gender focal person structures in Rwanda and Uganda national agricultural research organisations, to unearth factors influencing their performance. Results presented are based on document reviews and qualitative interviews with scientists, managers, and GFPs in the two organisations. We found that the GFPs hinged on individuals and donors, and operated in an ad hoc manner without streamlined procedures. The structures were not embedded in institutional frameworks, hence their low visibility within the organisations. They were characterized by inf...
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agricultural research centers that receive principal funding from governments, private foundations, and international and regional organizations, most of which are members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research... more
agricultural research centers that receive principal funding from governments, private foundations, and international and regional organizations, most of which are members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).