Strengthening gender integration in AfricaRice Research and Development through the collaborative Gender Task Force

Dr Mujawamariya Gaudiose presentation during Gender task Force Meeting (Credit photo: AfricaRice)

Since its establishment in 2011, the Gender Task Force (GTF) has served as a critical platform for promoting gender-sensitive approaches in rice research and technology development across Africa. Bringing together partners from National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), GTF is committed to closing gender gaps in access to technologies, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the contributions of women in rice value chains.

During Science Week 2024, held in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, members of the Gender Task Force from 16 countries of West and Esat African convened to discuss strategies, share successes, and plan future activities. The event, complemented by a three-day pre-event online meeting, highlighted the ongoing efforts to mainstream gender in research and development (R4D).

Countries shared their realizations and research outputs during the pre-science week workshops. A few thematic illustrating the cross-cutting work of the GTF include:

Strengthening Gender Integration in Research and Technology

Dr. Gaudiose Mujawamariya from AfricaRice, a leading voice in gender-sensitive rice research, emphasized the need to incorporate gender perspectives at every level of research, ranging from designing to delivering innovations and ensuring that they make impact into the livelihoods of the intended beneficiaries. Recognizing the diverse sociological contexts and needs of target vulnerable groups, she called for extending gender research to marginalized and vulnerable communities affected by economic and climatic challenges.

Innovative Approaches in Participatory Breeding

Dr. Joyce Afua Sarpong Haleegoah, from CSRI in Ghana, showcased the use of the Gender G+ Tool in participatory plant breeding process. This tool integrates gender-specific traits into the breeding process, ensuring that new rice varieties meet the needs of both men and women. In the participatory varietal selection stage, field days and sensory assessments were highlighted as effective methods for engaging communities in this process.

Empowerment through Metrics

In Cameroon, Ntam Fidelis Toke introduced the application of the Individual Women’s Empowerment Index to assess the socio-economic inclusion of women in the rice value chain. This ongoing study in the high plateau region seeks to identify barriers to empowerment and develop actionable strategies for gender-sensitive agricultural policies.

Social Safeguards in Liberia’s Rice Sector

Dr. Cheryl A. Williams outlined Liberia’s efforts to integrate gender and social safeguards into national rice programs. These initiatives include creating a database of people with disabilities, training stakeholders, and establishing mechanisms to address grievances and ensure inclusivity.

Discussions have highlighted the motivation to continue advancing gender integration in rice research within the GTF members’ respective countries and to valorize opportunities for cross-learning and  joint actions within group. As part of their action plan, the Gender Task Force has prioritized (a) capacity development in the form of core modules on gender integration that will address inclusivity, participation, and effective communication strategies; (b) policy development including evaluation of policies and informing gender-sensitive policies and (c) monitoring and evaluation by establishing defined indicators for tracking progress.

The Task Force underscored the importance of involving gender experts in project design and budgeting. Dedicated programs and leadership by gender specialists are critical to achieving meaningful integration and long-term success.

Mrs. Maimouna NDour intervention during Gender Task Force meeting (Credit photo: AfricaRice)

As Africa continues to face challenges in food security and economic development, integrating gender into agricultural research and development is a way to contribute to resilience and growth. The Gender Task Force remains a significant instrument of collaboration and innovation, inspiring a future where every individual, regardless of gender or vulnerability, can thrive in the rice value chain.

Acknowledgements: The participation in the science week was enabled by the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform, which is grateful for the support of CGIAR Trust Fund contributors: www.cgiar.org/funders, the Market Intelligence initiative of the CGIAR and the AGGRi2 and AICCRA projects.