Alliance Research Lever 7: Gender and Inclusion

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/134462

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Making agricultural supply chains deliver better for women
(Journal Article, 2025-04-10) Joya, Fernanda Soto; Shijagurumayum, Meghajit; Wiegel, Jenny; Elias, Marlene; González, Silvia; Rodríguez-Fabilena, René; Licona, Andrea; Sánchez, Liliana; Rodríguez, Ivan; Sosa, Ítalo
Empowering Ghanaian communities to conserve their forests through a private-sector-led payment for ecosystem services mechanism
(Case Study, 2025-05-12) Nguyen, Phuong Minh; Talsma, Tiffany; Reymondin, Louis; Vantalon, Thibaud; Molina, Luis; Kyeretwie, Bram Nana Safo; Adzi, George Bush; Nguyen Perperidis, Emily
The Landscapes for Cocoa Livelihoods project reduced deforestation by 71% over 1,044 hectares in Ghana's Tano Offin Forest Reserve, conserving 6,911 tons of CO2 equivalent, 65,303 m³ of water recharge, and 39 hectares of biodiverse landscape over a period of 1 year (July 1st 2023 – June 30th 2024). This project demonstrates the scaling potential of a private-sector-funded Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model, where cacao-producing communities conserve the forest in exchange for collective rewards that improve every household’s living conditions.
A Bioversity–CIAT partnership helped integrate gender considerations into ISEAL’s code of good practices for sustainability systems
(Case Study, 2025-05-12) Elias, Marlene; Morgan, Miranda Yeen
A 3-year partnership with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT helped better assess and promote gender equality in agrifood-related sustainability systems. Gender researchers from the Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT and the ISEAL Alliance produced demand-driven resources and learning events to support this gender work. The collaboration strengthened capacities and knowledge among ISEAL members and led to the integration gender considerations in the latest revision of the ISEAL Code of Good Practices for Sustainability Systems.
The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopts benefit-sharing rules for digital sequence information using Bioversity–CIAT-led CGIAR contributions
(Case Study, 2025-05-06) Halewood, Michael; Lopez Noriega, Isabel; Chiarolla, Claudio; Rouard, Mathieu
The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted new rules for payments to, and disbursements from, an international fund, for benefit sharing from the use of digital sequence information. The decision excluded elements that CGIAR successfully lobbied against, which would have undermined agricultural research for development, following CGIAR objections. CGIAR, led by the genetic resources Policy team of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, played a crucial role, providing scientific evidence through written submissions, side events, bilateral meetings, and participation in negotiations.
MyFarmTrees: 6000 empowered Kenyan and Cameroonian farmers restoring 2800 hectares, expanding towards global scale-up
(Case Study, 2025-05-05) Chiriboga Arroyo, Fidel; Eitzinger, Anton; Ekue, Marius; Elias, Marlene; Feil, Christian; Guettou Djurfeldt, Nadia; Jalonen, Riina; Krishnan, Smitha; Oduor, Francis; Vinceti, Barbara; Kettle, Christopher
The MyFarmTrees (MFT) digital MRV platform combines mobile applications for capacity building, restoration monitoring, and digital payments. Developed through community-driven iterations in Kenya and Cameroon, MyFarmTrees has transformed tree growing and supported a network of >300 local tree nursery enterprises. MyFarmTrees users track seed collection, seedling production and tree establishment. Empowered by the platform, close to 6000 farmers have participated in the forest-landscape restoration activities using native species, and >400 stakeholders, including farmers and nursery owners, have received digital economic incentives. MyFarmTrees scales across the Global South, attracting partnerships and investments.
Gender transformative research from proposal writing to evaluation
(Presentation, 2025-02-05) Nchanji, Eileen; Lutomia, Cosmas; Compaore, Eveline
How to integrate Gender equality and social inclusion in proposal writing Where are we on the gender agenda Frameworks Diverse donor expectations Tools/guides Concrete examples How to apply Gender transformative approaches – tools and guidelines  Where we are  Gender transformative approaches – WorldFish/FAO, Gender Impact platform/GTA COP Gender transformative indicators Some concrete examples How to develop inclusive gender communication What to focus on Some concrete examples
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. Reimagining intersectionality: Institutionalization of a concept, its complexity, illusions and contradictions
(Presentation, 2024-08-06) Feldman, Shelley; Farnworth, Cathy Rozel; Bailey, Arwen
For many gender specialists, intersectional research represents one of the most important theoretical contributions of gender and feminist analyses. This is because such research acknowledges complexity and hierarchy, and division and difference among members of any identity category, including, but not limited, to women. Intersectional research also acknowledges and seeks to understand power as a relational phenomenon within social groups as well as between them. In practice, this means that thinking with an intersectional lens exposes how all identity categories including race, class, and gender, but also, sexuality, ability, nationality and ethnicity, and indigenous/migrant are not homogenous categories. Rather, categories marking difference refer to populations that entail relations of both oppression and domination, opportunities, and constraints. Significantly, as well, an intersectional approach not only presumes that identities are always multiple but, also, that they can only be understood as intertwined, intersecting, and reciprocal rather than as simply additive. By recognizing this complexity, an intersectionality lens asks researchers to be cognizant of within category variation, especially when generalizing across comparative cases. "Importantly, in my view, intersectional research recognizes data collection as a procedural question and exposes how, why, and what questions we ask to illuminate the kind of evidence that can respond to our research question. In contrast, I view analyses as a processual issue that corresponds to the connection between how we understand identities as social relations on the one hand, and the practices that might lead to institutional and structural transformations of these relations and environments on the other."
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. Masculinities conversation 1 - Engaging men for gender equality - tools from Equimundo
(Presentation, 2024-11-06) Vess, Joseph; Kimonyo, Augustin; Gallagher, Emily; Bailey, Arwen
Joseph Vess and Augustin Kimonyo, both fellows of Equimundo and members of the MenEngage Alliance, introduced and discussed a new toolkit for ‘ENGAGING MEN FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN RURAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS'. The toolkit is part of a collection developed under an IFAD-funded Women's Resource Rights initiative with CIFOR-ICRAF, the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT and IFPRI. In this session, Joseph and Augustin: -Introduced the toolbox -Contextualized the project context in which it was developed in Uganda -Outlined the theory of change -Introduced some tools in the box (and some other tools outside the box) -Introduced some communities, individuals and resources all working in this space -Opened a discussion on how to engage men in gender-transformative research projects in food, land and water systems
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. Masculinities conversation 2 - Engaging men for gender equality in Uganda: Navigating resistance and backlash
(Presentation, 2024-12-06) Kodwo Mensah, Emmanuel; Mwiine, Amon; Bailey, Arwen
"Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, girls, and boys. It is everyone’s responsibility”. – Ban Ki-moon. While Ban Ki-moon's statement highlights the importance of engaging ALL genders in the pursuit of gender equality, there are still many unforeseen factors that can either accelerate or impede our progress. In this session, Emmanuel Mensah shares his experience working with men and boys in Uganda to embrace positive masculinities and become agents of change for gender equality. He discusses the resistance and backlash encountered in this process and explore strategies for navigating these challenges to achieve meaningful progress. He also highlights the importance of recourse and course correction, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in our efforts to promote gender equality.
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. #Masculinities #Conversation 3 - Male involvement in ending gender violence
(Presentation, 2025-02-03) Banda, Nelson; Akamandisa, Vincent; Farnworth, Cathy Rozel; Bailey, Arwen
In this conversation, Nelson Banda and Vincent Akamandisa, both of the Zambian National Men’s Network, share reflections on their considerable experience working with men and boys. In particular, the conversation focuses on Male Involvement in Ending Gender Violence, reflecting on how men are affected by gender violence, and on men's health. The Zambian National Men’s Network has four objectives: -Promoting gender equality -Mobilizing men to end gender-based violence -Promoting wellbeing of men and boys -Advocating evidence for gender-transformative change
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. Intersectionality: A study on gender equality and social inclusion as part of the Climate Adaptive, Inclusive, Nature-based Aquaculture (CAINA) project in Malaysia
(Presentation, 2024-07-29) Rajaratnam, Surendran; Yap, Tina; Bailey, Arwen
Insights into integrating the principles of gender equality and intersectionality throughout the research process in a research project on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in aquaculture. Traditional aquaculture research often overlooks the diverse experiences of those involved. By incorporating gender and social inclusion, they aim to identify all stakeholders (i.e. women, men, youth, indigenous communities and marginalized groups) that play a role in NbS aquaculture. They use a gender equality and social inclusion lens to ensure a comprehensive stakeholder analysis. In addition, they identify the different needs and challenges of different stakeholders in NbS aquaculture. The discussion among expert participants ranged from principles for intersectional research with Indigenous peoples; to how to integrate biophysical, social and Indigenous knowledges; to the differences between social inclusion and intersectionality. Finally the discussions turned to methods that could be adopted in this research project. The group discussed the positive deviance approach, and Dimitra Clubs.
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. Step-by-step guide: Integrating GTAs in the project cycle
(Presentation, 2025-02-27) Safa Barraza, Alejandra; Bailey, Arwen
During this session, participants heard about the Step-by-Step Guide, developed within the framework of the JP GTA, which provides step-by-step detailed guidance for project and programme staff on how to integrate the gender transformative approach at every phase of the project cycle. It also provides examples of practical tools and methodologies that can help build agency for women and men and transform unequal power relations and discriminatory social institutions. This guide emphasizes the need for structural changes to create more equitable systems through the design and implementation of projects and programmes.
Gender Transformative Methodologies CoP. Discussion series 10: Meaningful gender-transformative indicators in agriculture
(Presentation, 2024-01-22) Nchanji, Eileen; Lutomia, Cosmas; Bailey, Arwen
A vibrant discussion on “Meaningful Gender-Transformative Indicators in Agriculture” led by Gender scientist Eileen Nchanji in a series, organized by the Gender Transformative Research Methods Community of Practice (GTRM-CoP). The group of experts discussed: What are gender transformative indicators – to what extent are gender inequalities within the agricultural sector addressed and transformed? How can we measure progress toward achieving gender equality, empowerment and inclusive and sustainable farming practices?
Enhancing climate smart agriculture access and adoption: 1,100+ farmers trained in Makindu sub-county, Kenya.
(Case Study, 2025-03-26) Ogutu, Liz; Nderi, Alex Nduah; Nzuki, Esther; Waswa, Boaz
Over 1,100 farmers in Makindu Sub-County have benefited from AICCRA and Kimatwa Women SACCO’s climate-smart agriculture (CSA) initiatives. The partnership co-developed solutions to boost resilience, including experiential learning, a revolving seed scheme, and "Rip 1, Get One Free" tractor ripping services. CSA adoption rose by 30%, with 30 farmers becoming trainers. For the first time in seven years, farmers saw stable bean yields and improved harvests of maize, green grams, and cowpeas in 2023-2024, increasing food security and climate resilience.
Transforming Ethiopia’s agroadvisory: Harmonizing two agronomy use-cases for tailored, site-specific agronomic solutions
(Case Study, 2025-03-26) Desta, Lulseged Tamene; Mesfin, Tewodros; Degefie, Tibebe; Chernet, Meklit; Abera, Wuletawu; Tilaye, Asmalu; Ebrahim, Mohammed; Yitaferu, Birru; Abera, Dejene
The Alliance- and ICRISAT-led Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) Initiative use cases are transforming Ethiopia's agroadvisory services with tailored, site-specific agronomic solutions. By harmonizing the Alliance’s NextGen agroadvisory and ICRISAT’s landscape-based Decision Support Tools (DSTs) into a unified platform, the Initiative is enhancing advisory precision, reducing duplication, and minimizing stakeholder confusion. The National Agricultural Research System validated the harmonized DST on 2,500 crop farms, confirming its effectiveness. The Ministry of Agriculture aims to scale this technology to reach 4 million farmers by 2030, driving sustainable agricultural transformation nationwide.
Shaping resilience: Gender insights on weather and climate information services in East Africa
(Report, 2024-12-20) Ouya, Fredrick; Lutomia, Cosmas; Mvuyibwami, Patrick; Byandaga, Livingstone; Kagabo, Desire; Nchanji, Eileen
Climate shock and stressors like floods and droughts affect agriculture in East Africa, where erratic weather patterns threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. These impacts are disproportionately felt by women, youths, and other vulnerable groups like refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs). The above-mentioned group of persons often have a low resilience to climate change hazards. Limited resource access, restrictive cultural norms and socioeconomic barriers often constrain their adaptive capacity. This study assesses communities' access to, use and impact of Weather and Climate Information Services (WCIS) in four East African countries - Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. The study used a qualitative research design, employing Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to capture diverse respondents’ perspectives. A total of 34 FGDs (17 men, 16 women, and 1 mixed FGD) were conducted with farmers. Additionally, 98 KIIs (69 men and 29 women) were conducted with representatives of farmer cooperatives, NGOs, media, government officials (national metrological and hydrological services), scientists from the ministry, etc. This study revealed significant gendered disparities in accessing and utilising Weather and Climate Information Services (WCIS) across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. Men, women, and youths mainly accessed WCIS through television, radio, extension officers, and social media platforms like YouTube. Due to gender norms, additional information was obtained by men from the public meetings and community leaders; women, constrained by domestic responsibilities, got information from community meetings like savings groups and community networks. They also get information from informal discussions with family and friends. On the other hand, youth predominantly prefer social media but exhibit mixed trust toward agriculture-related information. Persons with disability or internally displaced persons have limited or often no access to assets – mobile phones, television and radios - that can be used to access climate and weather information. Youths also have resource limitations, like persons living with disabilities (PLWDs). WCIS provided farmers with information that resulted in timely planting, selecting the most suitable variety and the type of seeds to grow depending on the climate. It also influenced farmers to adopt sustainable practices like water conservation, crop rotation, and soil conservation, resulting in improved yields, reduced post-harvest losses, and enhanced food and nutrition security. Men dominate household decision-making, limiting women’s ability to act on climate information effectively. Limited access to technology and scepticism about forecast accuracy persist among farming communities. In Tanzania, accurate and localized forecasts in most regions have improved agricultural productivity and income compared to other countries. However, most rural areas are characterised by limited infrastructure and inequitable gender roles that restrict efficient access to WCIS. Participants across FGD and KII called for strengthening partnerships and collaborations between the Meteorology Agency, NGOs, and local leaders and a need to integrate indigenous knowledge with modern scientific data, delivered in a way that farmers can use it for their different crops and livestock. This study underscores the critical role of WCIS in building the resilience of farmers, prioritizing inclusive governance, community-driven approaches, and targeted investments; stakeholders can ensure that WCIS is delivered in an inclusive manner, particularly targeting those from marginalized and vulnerable groups, in adapting to the challenges of climate change. While WCIS has the potential to transform livelihoods and enhance climate resilience, systemic barriers that are often gendered must be addressed to achieve equitable outcomes. By prioritising inclusivity, fostering partnerships, and leveraging community knowledge, WCIS can empower vulnerable populations, drive sustainable development, and transform agricultural resilience across East Africa. This study also recommends developing synergies and partnerships to institutionalise WCIS in all country programs/projects and working with women and youth to drive climate resilience in rural areas. Initiatives supporting joint household decision-making and community-based climate-smart practices have improved productivity and reduced intra-household and family disputes.
The UNESCO-endorsed traditional foodways approach facilitated the launch of a new nationwide initiative in Kenya
(Case Study, 2025-03-26) Morimoto, Yasuyuki; Maundu, Patrick
The Indigenous Knowledge intellectual assets Documented and Digitized (IKDoDi) program, as part of Kenya Vision 2030, aims to document Kenya's rich indigenous knowledge including medicine, food, technologies, and cultural heritage as intellectual property. In 2024, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (the Alliance)’s established partner, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), spearheaded the program's first phase by conducting an extensive series of training sessions across 13 of the country’s 47 counties. A total of 780 participants, including key local community members, county and national government officials, and other stakeholders, participated in these sessions.
Kitui county leverages ADD-IT app for JICA-backed nutrition initiative and conducts dietary assessment across 322 households
(Case Study, 2025-03-26) Morimoto, Yasuyuki; Maundu, Patrick; Irie, Kenji; Kenjiro, Ban; Takemura, Tomo; Minakuchi, Kosuke
In January 2024, the Kitui County government of Kenya, supported by IFNA, AUDA-NEPAD, and JICA, adopted the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ)—a key feature of the Alliance's ADD-IT app. The pilot project aims to improve the nutritional status of children under two years old and their mothers. The dietary assessment was conducted across 322 households in two communities. County officials and 20 community health promoters (CHPs) identified dietary gaps to raise awareness of individualized challenges and guide evidence-based improved dietary practices.
Empowering women and other marginalized groups in agrifood supply chains: Targeted investments drive inclusion in Honduras and India
(Case Study, 2025-03-17) Wiegel, Jenny; Elias, Marlene; Soto Joya, Fernanda; Shijagurumayum, Meghajit
The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT’s evidence-based approach has enabled two agribusinesses in Honduras to design and implement gender-responsive strategies, improving women’s empowerment and social inclusion, thus fostering more equitable coffee supply chains. In India, the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP), a global membership-based organization, used the approach to deepen its understanding of the diverse women involved in the smallholder tea sector and the conditions of their engagement in the supply chain.
Towads a common vision of climate, peace and security in Zimbabwe
(Report, 2024-12) Makanda, Joseph; Maviza, Gracsious; Caroli, Giulia; Tarusarira, Joram; Gadu, Siyaxola; Maphosa, Mandlenkosi; Takaindisa, Joyce; Onivola, Minoarivelo; de Coning, Cedric; Gumindonga, Webster; Moyo, Nqobile; Laderach, Peter
This report addresses the interconnected challenges posed by climate change, migration, fragility, and socio-economic vulnerability in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has been significantly impacted by climate variability, evidenced by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, frequent droughts, and devastating cyclones, which threaten agriculture, the environment, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on rain-fed farming. The report highlights the systemic challenges Zimbabwe faces, including food and water insecurity, displacement, and conflicts over dwindling resources. These issues are further complicated by Zimbabwe’s limited adaptive capacity, economic instability, and the gendered impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect women and girls. A two-day workshop convened in Harare by the CGIAR Climate Security team, SAPPC and ACCORD brought together key stakeholders to develop a shared understanding and identify strategies to address the peace and security risks associated with climate change and migration. This led to a common vision centred on four main pathways that link climate impacts to socio-political instability in Zimbabwe: 1. Resource competition: scarcity of natural resources, particularly water, has intensified tensions and conflicts, especially in communities where artisanal mining exacerbates land degradation. 2. Food and livelihood insecurity: extreme weather events disrupt agricultural productivity, prompting negative coping strategies like deforestation and artisanal mining, which contribute to environmental degradation and socio-economic strain. 3. Human mobility and displacement: Climate-induced migration is prevalent, with people relocating temporarily or permanently in response to disasters or economic hardship, often straining resources and services in host areas. 4. Negative coping strategies: As communities struggle to adapt, some turn to harmful practices like illegal mining and drug trade, which further destabilize communities. The report outlines a multifaceted policy and programmatic framework to mitigate these impacts, calling for collaborative efforts among government, civil society, and international organizations. Key recommendations include strengthening climate-resilient policies, ensuring conflict-sensitive climate finance, fostering community engagement, and leveraging Indigenous knowledge alongside modern science. Enhanced evidence-based research and integrated climate, peace, and security programs are essential to achieving sustainable development and resilience against climate impacts in Zimbabwe.

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