Developing gender-sensitive value chains
This report (PDF) by FAO tries to facilitate in the systematic integration of gender equality dimensions into value chain development programmes and projects. It raises awareness on gender inequalities and discusses the importance of addressing these dimensions in value chain development, while also building a common approach for work on gender-sensitive value chain development. The report brings together key concepts from value chain development and gender and by providing concrete guiding principles for the integration of gender concerns into value chain development projects and programmes. Despite the many advantages of addressing social inequality, gender dimensions often remain overlooked in agricultural development programmes. Value chain development practitioners may find it challenging to mainstream gender within their work, either because they underestimate or are unaware of the relevance of gender dynamics to value chains, or because they need technical support in translating gender equality objectives into concrete actions in the implementation of programmes. This FAO framework on gender-sensitive value chains aims to respond to this gap and provide technical support to VC practitioners and decisionmakers in developing sustainable and gender-sensitive agrifood value chains. It does this by providing concrete guiding principles for the integration of gender concerns into value chain development projects and programmes (the framework is complemented by the Guidelines for practitioners that provide specific tools to support practitioners in designing, implementing and monitoring gender-sensitive value chain programmes).