Foreword
There is a profound need for specific guidelines for addressing gender in agriculture. Acknowledgment of the significant function women serve in agricultural development around the world has not always rendered effective ways of working with women farmers. In many countries, women make up over 70% of the agricultural labour. Women participate along the entire agricultural value chain, contributing as producers, distributors, processors, storers and marketers, as well as, being responsible for feeding and caring for their families. Women and men assume different roles in society and therefore often have unique needs. The World Bank, in its 2009 Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook, states: ‘The failure to recognize the roles, differences, and inequities between men and women poses a serious threat to the effectiveness of the agricultural development agenda’.
This manual has been prepared to assist with closing the gender gap in agriculture. The manual contains sessions developed and enhanced through feedback received during gender workshops held in multiple countries. The manual not only includes useful content for facilitators and practitioners, but the different sessions also provide a participatory atmosphere to engage in the discussion of a critically important topic for agricultural development.This user-friendly training manual is easy to read and apply in facilitating gender workshops. I am sure that the manual will serve as a valuable tool for gender training across different CGIAR centres and with partners.
Jimmy Smith
Director General, ILRI
