Gender integration in research: So where do we start?
This blog on the website of the Journal of Gender, Agriculture and Food Security elaborates on the practicalities of integrating gender in research. Most people recognize that agriculture research and development must be gender responsive and must address the needs of both men and women, while recognizing and addressing the unequal access to resources and differential levels of productivity between men and women. However, the question often remains of where and how to start integrating. The author, Jeminah Njuki, presents four entry points that provide guidance to research organizations or programs that want a systematic process for gender integration. These entry-points are: 1) start with a good understanding of the needs and aspirations of both men and women smallholder farmers, fisher folk and/or consumers; 2) ensure that there are equal opportunities for men and women in research; 3) build capacity in gender awareness and gender research methods; 4) track and hold staff accountable for gender outcomes.