The challenges of poverty and hunger continue to haunt us. It has been widely recognized that addressing the gender issues affecting access to productive resources, technologies and markets is critical to tackling the challenges. Recent discussions at a workshop held by the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) believe that we will increase productivity in complex agricultural systems in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable if we improve gender equity.
Various projects and programs have made efforts to “integrate” or “mainstream” gender into agricultural research and development practice. However, the gender disparities and the related discourse continue to persist. We must therefore change the way we approach the issue. Transformational change that is profound, fundamental, enduring and irreversible is needed if we are to have deep and lasting impact.
Adopting the Gender Transformative Approach
The CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) has placed the Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) at the heart of its gender strategy. Translating the strategy into actual research and development practice however poses a considerable challenge as there is little documented experience in the agricultural sector to draw from. Significant innovation will therefore be required.
The AAS workshop that took place during October in Penang provided a valuable opportunity for researchers, practitioners and donors working in this area to their exchange views and experiences on critical GTA themes, and to reflect on what works and what doesn’t in their application of GTAs in agriculture and other sectors. It was also a chance to brainstorm ways to put GTAs into practice in agricultural research. It was during the workshop discussions that the bold proposition made at the start of this post emerged i.e. that: “we will increase productivity in complex agricultural systems in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable if we improve gender equity”
Starting from this important, powerful and compelling statement, Steve Hall, DG of WorldFish (a member of the CGIAR Consortium) has shared his reflections on Gender Transformative Research. He discussed why he thinks achieving gender equity should be an explicit part of CGIAR research – and its potential to contribute to returns on income, time, food production, resilience, risk-reduction, and environmental protection. These are all domains in which CGIAR must deliver outcomes. He underlines the need for innovation to address the combined challenges of poverty and sustainability in complex farming systems which are embedded in complex social systems, and explores how GTA can be a powerful means to achieve this need.
Changing mindsets: join the discussion!
Energy, commitment from individual champions, and the right incentives, structures and accountabilities will be needed for these new approaches to take root in our organizations. What do you think? Please join the discussion and share your comments by visiting “Reflections on Gender Transformative Research”.
Photo credit: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
that good and a powerful weapon to agricultural production