Children in the Shadow of AIDS

This paper examines the experiences of children affected by HIV/AIDS in three provinces of South Africa: Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. By combining the findings of two different studies, the paper analyzes the conditions of children at different stages of impact

Gendered Dimensions of Key Value Chains in Southwestern Morocco

The Morocco Green Plan (MGP) has delivered significant economic benefits to small farm households. A concentration on improving efficiency and profitability within value chains for key local commodities has, through the creation of women’s cooperatives, also led to positive outcomes in female empowerment. Through qualitative and participatory research methods, our analysis of gendered aspects of value chains for argan, rose, cactus, and saffron in southwestern Morocco suggests that economic empowerment, fostered through existing women’s cooperatives, is fragile and subject to significant threats. In large part, this is the result of a state-driven approach that has not effectively considered the inequities inherent within value chains for key local commodities; and the meshing of existing social and cultural norms with the tenets of a national drive toward ‘modernization’ of the agricultural sector. We suggest that the MGP is gender blind in this respect. Couching value chain enhancement initiatives within an innovation systems framework, as opposed to a state-centric process, is more likely to achieve well-being within rural communities, together with sustainable (social and economic) returns within pro-poor value chains

Engendering agricultural research

This paper makes a case for gender equity in the agricultural R&D system. It reviews the evidence on exactly why it is important to pay attention to gender issues in agriculture and why it is necessary to recognize women�s distinct food-security roles throughout the entire value chain�for both food and nonfood crops, marketed and nonmarketed commodities. The authors examine whether women are factored into the work of research institutions, and whether research institutions effectively focus on women�s needs. In short, are these institutions conducting research by and for women? The paper�s conceptual framework demonstrates the need to integrate gender into setting agricultural priorities; conducting the research itself; designing, implementing, and adopting extension services; and evaluating their impacts. It concludes with recommendations regarding how to make these suggested changes.Agriculture, extension services, Gender equity, nonmarket commodities, Priority setting, R&D, value chains,

Ensuring societal considerations are met when translating science into policy for sustainable food system transformation

Background: A food system transformation is needed to address food and nutrition security, minimise impacts on planetary health, reduce climate change emissions, and contribute to equity, diversity, and the Sustainable Development Goals

Participatory research and gender analysis initiative = Iniciativa de análisis de género e investigación participativa

The Participatory Research and Gender Analysis (PRGA) initiative aims to improve the competence of the CGIAR research programs and collaborating institutions in mainstreaming the use of gender-responsive participatory approaches. Mainstreaming a gender perspective is the process of assessing implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policy, or program, in any area and at any level. It is a strategy for making women's, as well as men's, concerns and experiences an integral dimension of designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies and programs in all political, economic, and societal spheres so that women and men benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality