ICTs for conservation agriculture: influence of actor positioning in knowledge networks in Laikipia and Machakos counties, Kenya

Knowledge networks play a significant role in the transfer of innovations such as conservation agriculture. In this paper, we examine the position of actors in the network and socio-economic factors influencing use of ICTs. ICTs potentially enable information to reach large numbers of farmers. We collected data through 298 household surveys, 29 key informant interviews and five focus group discussions. We used social network analysis for centrality measures. To statistically test the relationship between socio-economic factors and use of ICTs, we used multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results suggest that gender and land under conservation agriculture (p= 0.05) was not a statistically significant factor. Positions of influence were occupied by extension officers (20%) and farmers (41%). The study recommends the use of ICTs with conventional approaches in CA knowledge networks

Commercialisation of the sweetpotato value chain: Impacts on women producers in Mozambique

Traditionally, sweetpotato is a woman's crop grown primarily for food in Mozambique. With the introduction of Vitamin A rich varieties, efforts were made to commercialize the crop. This study assessed the effects of this commercialization on women producers. Findings indicate that though women devoted more land to sweetpotato, men got higher yields, sold more and obtained better prices. Nonetheless, women dominated the roots value chain and increased their participation in markets. The more lucrative sweetpotato vine chain was dominated by men (75% men), as the resources and skills required to engage in this activity were a significant challenge for women. Women perceived that sweetpotato commercialization increased their ability to make production decisions, though it has not resulted in any changes in ownership of resources. Women and men both noted a subtle change in norms. Men for example perceived that their ability to make decisions had reduced, while women noted that they had taken on more leadership positions locally. These changes might be attributed to the role played by project implementors who encouraged men to allow their spouses to engage more in commercial activities. Whilst women faced challenges related to literacy, market entry and access to resources, they valued the experience obtained in improving their entrepreneurial skills. Future commercialization initiatives should work on linking women to business services and building stronger farmer-processer linkages. Efforts to sensitize men about the benefits of women's engagement in business showed some impact and should be included in further work on crop commercialization

Prioritizing quality traits for gender‐responsive breeding for boiled potato in Uganda

Using quantitative, qualitative and sensorial data collected from western (Kabale) and central (Rakai) Uganda, this paper identifies and describes gender‐responsive traits preferred in varieties for the boiled potato market. These traits are aggregated into a product profile to support breeding programme design and decision‐making that will increase probability of variety acceptance. An interdisciplinary and participatory methodology was used to collect data on socio‐economic on trait preferences, processing and organoleptics and finally, to develop a lexicon through a sensorial panel. Characteristics that were important to both men and women, such as red skin and yellow flesh, are linked to market preferences. Women‐only preferred characteristics such as big size and mealiness are linked to processing efficiency and eating quality. Besides agronomic traits, breeders must consider factors such as gender roles, social norms, and market preferences traits that guide farmers and other food chain actors in their selection of new varieties