Malidhia Njelekela; Research Assistant at Mikocheni
One of USAID’s core issues is gender fairness in the implementation of their programs. Therefore, we have taken special effort to encourage participation by women and men in ways that meet their needs. Here are some of the steps we have taken for increasing participation of and benefits to women and men:
- Women play key roles in project leadership – (e.g. KALRO: 4 female, 4 male; SUA: 3 female, 2 male; Hawassa: 0 female, 3 male; OSU: 3 female, 4 male).
- For workshops/training, we specifically seek women participants, including asking them individually rather than simply sending out a general announcement.
- Farmer group leadership by women is a characteristic of 2 of 3 groups in Chuka Co, Kenya.
- We are working to strengthen women’s leadership competences by providing leadership training (Kenya).
- Country coordinators encourage farmer
groups to have men and women members. - Baseline survey development involved review of questions by two gender experts, with regard to wording and participant selection.
- Baseline survey implementation was timed from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., when women are mainly available.
- Baseline survey enumerators male and female.
- We have specifically targeted women farmers for the baseline survey and in establishing on-farm trials.
- The WhatsApp network gives voice to all.
For more information check out:
“Gendered and Contextual Factors in the Design of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs for Tomato Growers in East Africa”
E. Mwangi, M. Erbaugh, K. Sibuga, A. Maerere, and M. Waiganjo in International Journal of Social Science Research
“The Role of Women in Pest Management Decision Making in Eastern Uganda”
J. Erbaugh et al. in Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education (2003)