Development of a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy in Agricultural Value Chains

Synopsis:

Mera Maan was contracted by ASF-ETI to conduct a comprehensive workshop aimed at promoting gender mainstreaming within the potato and apricot value chains. The training focused on addressing gender and inclusion issues in agricultural development, emphasizing the significance of gender justice in value chain initiatives. Through interactive sessions, the workshop facilitated the generation of strategic directions for gender mainstreaming in ETI’s activities. As a result, a practical gender and inclusion mainstreaming strategy was developed, which is now jointly owned and implemented by a diverse team.

Narrative of the Project Description:

Background:

The Economic Transformation Initiative, in partnership with IFAD and ASF, sought to integrate gender considerations effectively into their agricultural value chain projects. Recognizing the importance of gender equity and inclusivity in development, ETI aimed to create a strategy that would enhance the participation and benefits of women in the potato and apricot value chains.

Objectives:

– Raise awareness and understanding among ETI stakeholders regarding gender and inclusion issues in agricultural value chain development.
– Explore the necessity of promoting gender justice and equality within the context of ETI’s value chain initiatives.
– Facilitate collaborative brainstorming sessions to identify strategic approaches for mainstreaming gender in ETI’s projects.
– Design a practical gender and inclusion mainstreaming strategy that can be adopted and implemented by ETI’s team.

Project Impact:

The workshop conducted by Mera Maan enabled the participants to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of gender mainstreaming in agricultural value chains. By engaging in interactive discussions, the stakeholders were able to jointly develop a gender and inclusion strategy tailored to the specific needs and context of ETI’s initiatives. The co-ownership of this strategy ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that efforts are taken to implement gender-sensitive approaches throughout the project’s lifecycle. As a result, the project has fostered greater gender equality and inclusivity in agricultural value chains, leading to improved livelihoods and empowerment for women involved in the potato and apricot sectors.