Integrating social inclusion perspectives in agricultural food systems research for development: A background paper

Cullen, B. and Debevec, L. 2024. Integrating social inclusion perspectives in agricultural food systems research for development: a background paper. CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform Background Paper. Nairobi, Kenya: CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.

This paper: (1) defines social inclusion, (2) summarizes current research about social inclusion in agri-food systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), (3) outlines the relevance of a social inclusion perspective in agricultural and food system research for development, (4) reflects on the complementarity/intersectionality of a social inclusion perspective and a gender perspective, (5) proposes a position for CGIAR on social inclusion, and (6) proposes an approach to key indicators of impact for social inclusion in agri-food systems. This paper draws on relevant peer-reviewed literature and grey literature, including institutional strategies, guidelines, frameworks and toolkits, and donor publications. In addition, the authors conducted 11 interviews with researchers currently working within CGIAR, former CGIAR employees and external development practitioners working in gender and social inclusion and who are familiar with CGIAR’s work. It was important to gather theoretical and academic perspectives, while also grounding the recommendations in the realities of research for development processes. Information from these interviews has informed and helped shape the content and recommendations of this paper.