Why gender and youth matter in livestock production

Strengthening livestock production in the tropics and subtropics involves much more than just technical improvements and environmental considerations. Our recently published paper on “Leveraging Gender, Youth, and Social Networks for Inclusive and Transformative Livestock Production” delves into the social dynamics that shape these systems, underscoring how addressing gender roles, youth participation, and social networks can lead to livestock production systems that are both inclusive and transformative. 

Gender dynamics in livestock value chains

Gender inequality remains a significant issue in livestock value chains. Small ruminant value chains in Ethiopia are an example of common dynamics: men typically have greater control over decisions and resources, leaving women at a disadvantage. However, when women’s labor is actively recognized in these value chains, there is a shift toward more equitable decision-making, although this does not always translate into durable women empowerment. To address this, value chain participation must be paired with interventions targeting deep-rooted gender imbalances, such as norms that prevent women’s resource management and decision-making.

Wide research highlights similar findings in different settings: In Uganda, researchers have highlighted the critical role of women in dairy production, emphasizing the need for gender-focused interventions to enhance milk safety and market access. Meanwhile, in Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania the challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in aquaculture, maize, and poultry value chains are being explored. These studies highlight the importance of pursuing gender-inclusive policies and access to resources like finance and technology to support women in these sectors.