Using plot level data, this study examines the differential fertilizer application rates on plots
managed individually by men, women, or jointly in dual adult households in three districts in
south-central Mozambique. The results suggest that—controlling for the demographics of the
manager and plot characteristics—joint management of agricultural plots is associated with
higher fertilizer application rates on maize plots but with lower fertilizer application on non-food
cash plots. Absent equitable sharing of proceeds from jointly managed plots, efforts to increase
access to inputs by women may need to be targeted at plots already managed by women
themselves. In land-scarce environments where women are less likely to have parcels to cultivate
autonomously, these results suggest that improving women’s bargaining power under joint
management of agricultural activities may be one way to improve gender equality in agriculture
