CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117895

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Nutrition, health and food security

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/22-market-driven-resilient-and-nutritious-agrifood-systems-in-the-humid-zones-of-west-and-central-africa/

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 213

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)
(Report, 2025-09-29) International Livestock Research Institute; Network of Farmers' and Pastoral Organizations of Senegal (RESOPP)
This Environment and Social Management Pan (ESMP) has been developed to clarify (i) the measures that will be taken during the implementation of project activities to eliminate or offset adverse E&S impacts, or to reduce them to acceptable levels; and (ii) actions needed to implement these measures during the implementation of the Accelerating Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project activities in Senegal during the Additional Financing (AF). The purpose of this ESMP is to consider and develop proper measures to decrease the possibility of environmental degradation during all phases of the project AF, and to provide clearly defined action plans and emergency response procedures to account for human and environmental health and safety in accordance with the requirements of Senegalese laws and the objectives of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) : ESS-1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ESS-2: Labor and Working Conditions ESS-3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management ESS-4: Community Health and Safety ESS-6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. The ESMP will cover the additional phase of the Project. It is a living document, which will be updated and re-disclosed as and when new risks are identified, or field activities are expanded. Ce Plan de Gestion Environnementale et Sociale (PGES) a été élaboré pour clarifier : (i) les mesures qui seront prises lors de la mise en œuvre des activités du projet pour éliminer ou compenser les impacts environnementaux et sociaux négatifs, ou pour les réduire à des niveaux acceptables ; et (ii) les actions nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre ces mesures pendant la mise en œuvre des activités du projet "Accélérer l'impact de la recherche climatique du CGIAR pour l'Afrique" (AICCRA) au Senegal dans le cadre du Financement Additionnel (FA). L'objectif de ce PGES est d'examiner et de développer des mesures appropriées pour réduire la possibilité de dégradation de l'environnement à toutes les phases du projet FA, et de fournir des plans d'action et des procédures d'intervention d'urgence clairement définis afin de tenir compte de la santé et de la sécurité environnementales et humaines conformément aux exigences des lois senegalaise et aux objectifs des Normes Environnementales et Sociales (NES) de la Banque mondiale : - NES-1 : Évaluation et gestion des risques et impacts environnementaux et sociaux - NES-2 : Conditions de travail et d'emploi - NES-3 : Efficacité des ressources et prévention et gestion de la pollution - NES-4 : Santé et sécurité communautaires - NES-6 : Conservation de la biodiversité et gestion durable des ressources naturelles vivantes. Le PGES couvrira la phase supplémentaire du projet. Il s'agit d'un document évolutif, qui sera mis à jour et re-divulgué lorsque de nouveaux risques seront identifiés ou que les activités sur le terrain seront étendues.
Insight for sustainable supplemental irrigation development for cocoa in changing Ghana’s agroforestry landscapes
(Journal Article, 2025-12) Tilahun, Seifu A.; Amponsah, Andoh; Atampugre, Gerald; Zemadim, Birhanu; Dembélé, Moctar; Darko, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Cocoa production in Ghana faces challenges from climate change and land use dynamics, necessitating sustainable intensification through supplemental irrigation. However, the availability of water resources for irrigation remains underexplored in Ghana’s agroforestry landscapes. This study assesses the potential of water resources for irrigation and impacts of land use and climate changes in the moist semi-deciduous agroforestry-dominated Upper Offin basin. Using Landsat images, the study analyzed land use patterns, hydro-climatic trends (1981–2022), and water balance based on rainfall and evapotranspiration. Findings reveal that streamflow represents only 10% of average annual rainfall (1333 mm), with subsurface flow predominating. Annual actual evapotranspiration (AET) accounts for 85% of rainfall, while deep percolation offers additional water potential. Shallow groundwater could irrigate 10% of the area during the 5-month dry season, doubling with deep percolation. Land use changes threaten this potential, as forest areas declined while cropland and grassland expanded (2008–2021), associated highly with the alteration of water balance components. Although rainfall remained stable, rising temperatures could increase cocoa water demand. AET declined over time, correlating with FAO-WaPOR data, while streamflow increased during the observed period (1986–2012). The study recommends groundwater supplemental irrigation systems for sustainable cocoa farming in Ghana and similar agroforestry regions, addressing climate and land use challenges effectively.
Hydrological implications of supplemental irrigation in cocoa production using SWAT model: insights from the Upper Offin Sub-Basin, Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-07) Assefa, T. T.; Gbodji, Kekeli Kofi; Atampugre, Gerald; Loh, Y. S. A.; Bayissa, Y.; Tilahun, Seifu A.
The cocoa production in Ghana, largely reliant on rainfall and undertaken by smallholder farmers, is increasingly endangered by climate change-induced water scarcity. Although supplemental irrigation has been posited as an adaptive measure, its hydrological impacts remain understudied. This current study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by employing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate the hydrological and water resource implications of supplemental irrigation within the Upper Offin sub-basin of Ghana. High-resolution spatial data and field survey inputs were used to model dry period baseline and irrigation scenarios for cocoa farms with gentle slopes (2%). The results reveal that supplemental irrigation from the shallow aquifer can sustainably support irrigation for up to 5% of the cocoa area (4760 ha) without adversely affecting groundwater flow. Extending irrigation to 30% of the cocoa area (28,540 ha) is feasible with minimal reduction in catchment water yield. This study’s novelty lies in integrating high-resolution data with localized management practices to provide actionable insights for balancing cocoa productivity and water sustainability. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing that through solar-powered irrigation the shallow groundwater is a pathway to enhance climate resilience of cocoa productivity.
Evaluating irrigation and fertilizer strategies for sustainable forage productivity and improved nitrogen efficiency in the sub-humid highlands of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-10) Taye, C.W.; Hussein, Misbah A.; Ayalew, A.D.; Assefa, T.T.; Fohrer, N.; Riga, Fikadu T.; Derseh, Melkamu B.; Adie, Aberra; Tilahun, Seifu A.
Livestock productivity in Ethiopia is hampered by the limited quantity and quality of feed, largely due to lack of knowledge on the possibility of irrigating forage with good agronomic practices by the development agents, which are further exacerbated by climate variability and resource constraints. This study investigated the effects of irrigation levels, fertilizer types and rates, and forage varieties on nitrogen productivity and residual soil nitrogen (RSN) in Robit-Bata Kebele, Ethiopia. A 3×3×7 factorial design was used, including three irrigation levels (60, 80, and 100% of total available soil water), three fertilizer rates (organic manure at 30 t ha⁻¹ and urea at 100 and 300 kg ha⁻¹), and seven perennial forages (four grasses and three legumes). Over two years (2021–2022), data on dry matter yield (DMY), nitrogen uptake (NU), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), RSN, and nitrogen surplus (NS) were collected. Full irrigation (I100) yielded the highest DMY (8.7 t ha⁻¹), NU (131.2 kg ha⁻¹), and NUE (46 kg kg⁻¹), and lowest NS (18.9 kg ha⁻¹), although deficit irrigation (I80) resulted in similar (p>0.05) DMY, NU, NUE, and NS. Napier grass ILRI-16791 with 300 kg ha⁻¹ urea achieved the highest DMY (20.7 tha⁻¹) and NU (259.2 kg ha⁻¹), while 100 kg ha⁻¹ urea maximized NUE (138.8 kg kg⁻¹) and minimized NS (-168.8 kg ha⁻¹). Deficit irrigation (I80) combined with manure and Napier grass ILRI-16791 is recommended for optimal productivity and environmental sustainability. This study provides novel insights into site-specific, climate-responsive nutrient and water management strategies for public development agents to support smallholder forage production systems. Future studies should assess economic feasibility and integrated manure-urea applications to enhance soil health and NUE.
Malnutrition and violent conflict in a heating world: A mediation analysis on the climate–conflict nexus in Nigeria
(Journal Article, 2025-05-12) Belli, Anna; Villa, Victor; Mastrorillo, Marina; Scognamillo, Antonio; Song, Chun; Ignaciuk, Adriana; Pacillo, Grazia
Implications of changes in water stress and precipitation extremes for cocoa production in Côte D’Ivoire and Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Obahoundje, Salomon; Akpoti, Komlavi; Zwart, Sander J.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Climate change induces high variability in drought patterns and extreme precipitation indices in rainfed cocoa farming, impacting cocoa production. This study evaluated water stress, meteorological and agricultural drought conditions, and critical extreme precipitation indices in the world's two largest cocoa-producing nations from 1981 to 2022. The results revealed a significant reduction in total annual precipitation (PRCPTOT), in the last three decades, with the greatest decline in the 1991–2000 and 2011–2022 periods. Ghana experienced the most significant reduction up to 15% (200mm/year) in the last decade, attributed to a substantial decrease in wet days number (RR1) up to 25days per year, a reduction in maximum consecutive wet days (CWD) up to 6days per year, and an increase in maximum consecutive dry days (CDD) up to 15days per year. Moreover, there was a notable decline in the Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII), with reductions of up to 4mm/day in certain areas, contributing to increased drought frequency, severity, and duration. In the most recent decade (2011–2022), particularly during the extremely dry years of 2013 and 2015, cocoa-growing regions in Ghana (GHA) and eastern Côte d'Ivoire (CIV) experienced prolonged agricultural drought expressed by soil moisture deficit, typically extending from May to September. Additionally, large portions of central and eastern Ghana, as well as northeastern Côte d'Ivoire experienced sustained water stress, with over three consecutive months of total monthly precipitation falling below 100mm, negatively impacting cocoa productivity. The decrease in the yield in the range of 2.5% to 37% was noted in the dry years and the following years, varying according to the country depending on the severity of the drought. Sensitivity analysis highlights cocoa yield's responsiveness to drought and water stress, particularly in specific years when water stress occurred, such as 1984,1985, 1989, 1995, 1999, 2000, and 2008. Considering the observed trends in precipitation patterns and their impact on cocoa production, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty of future precipitation patterns due to climate change. To address this challenge effectively, our study underscores the importance of identifying and closely monitoring regions currently facing water stress, as determined by precipitation and drought indicators. Over the analysed period (1981–2022), we have noted shifts in the distribution of water-stressed areas, highlighting the dynamic nature of this issue. Consequently, we advocate for a targeted approach to implement cocoa supplementary irrigation in consistently water-stressed regions.
CGIAR Research Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04-15) CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation
Co-designing inclusive landscape management plans: a training manual
(Training Material, 2025-03-01) Nartey, Eric Gbenatey; Atampugre, Gerald; Bobtoya, Saadia; Amponsah, Andoh Kwaku; Musana, B.; Igbadun, H.; Niyuhire, M. C.; Tilahun, Seifu A.
Digital agro‑advisory tools in the global south: a behavioural analysis of impacts, and future directions
(Journal Article, 2025-03-27) Ofosu Ampong, Kingsley; Abera, Wuletawu; Mesfin, Tewodros; Abate, Tsion
Digital agro-advisory tools have emerged as a promising solution to address pressing challenges in agriculture, particuarly for smallholder farmers in the Global South. This study provides a comprehensive characterisation of these tools, examining their behavioural typologies and adoption rates. Our desk and contextual review identified several digital agro-advisory tools in Global South. Our analysis revealed that low-adoption tools primarily focus on information dis- semination and post-harvest loss reduction. Moderate-adoption tools emphasize financial inclusion and early warning systems. High-adoption tools, on the other hand, prioritise climate-smart agriculture, farmer empowerment, and collaborative platforms. In all, our characterisation revealed five behavioural typologies necessary for the adoption of digital agro-advisory tools in the Global South. Critically, we found that trust is the fundamental foundation that determines adoption and sustained use of digital agricultural tools in the Global South. To scale up the adoption of these tools, it is crucial to address key constraints such as digital literacy, infrastructure, and policy environments. Additionally, our review shows that inclusive design and requirement elicitation are essential to ensure that these tools are accessible and relevant to the needs of smallholder farmers. By investing in digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, we can harness the transformative potential of digital agro-advisory tools to create a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future.
Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA): lean data innovation for rapid diet quality monitoring at scale
(Report, 2025-01) Adewopo, J.; Lungaho, M.; Aiyedun, K.; Nwaoliwe, G.
Situation analysis of Rubyiro Sub-catchment of the Rusizi River in Rwanda
(Report, 2024-12-30) Uwanyirigira, D.; Musana, B.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Oke, Adebayo; Cofie, Olufunke O.
The increasing pressures on socio-ecological landscapes (SEL) in developing countries, including Rwanda, stem from a complex interplay of factors, primarily driven by heightened demand for essential livelihood assets. These assets encompass access to food, health services, water, forest resources, housing, and agricultural spaces. In Rwanda, the excessive and often mismanaged utilization of productive landscape resources is evident, exacerbated by climate change and lapses in institutional policies. This situation has led to diminishing biodiversity and ecosystem services, threatening the sustainability of agricultural production systems and other livelihoods within the country. Utilizing the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, a study focusing on the Rubyiro sub-catchment of the Rusizi River Basin provides a situational analysis of these dynamics. The Rubyiro sub-catchment is characterized by its rich natural resources and competing land uses but is also experiencing significant environmental degradation. The study aims to assess biophysical conditions, socio-economic factors, and the drivers of landscape changes while examining institutional responses. Key findings indicate that socioeconomic development driven by agriculture and mining activities contributes to environmental changes such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. The analysis highlights various pressures impacting the Rubyiro catchment, including increased rainfall intensity and reliance on fuelwood. These pressures lead to serious environmental challenges such as land degradation and flooding, particularly affecting rice cultivation in the region. Climate change further complicates these issues by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, which negatively impacts agricultural productivity. The Rusizi Catchment Management Plan outlines existing and planned responses aimed at landscape restoration and pollution control, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to effectively address these challenges.
Farmer’s perception on fertilizer management using Ajinomoto byproduct for high market value local rice varieties in irrigated lowlands in Côte d’Ivoire
(Report, 2024-08) Arouna, A.; Gbede, T.R.
This work presents results of the socioeconomic evaluation of the Ajinomoto fertilizer (AF) experimentation demonstrations among rice farmers in Côte d’Ivoire. The focus was on assessing the perception of rice farmers on the AF experimentation and demonstrations from both the intervention participants and non-participants. Three regions in Côte d’Ivoire were covered as part of the survey and data were collected from a randomly sampled 270 rice farmers through face-to-face individual interviews using CSPro application installed on android tablets. Data collected we submitted to both descriptive and inferential statistics for analysis by means of the Stata version 18 and SPSS software. Results showed that majority of famers grew rice in wet season (72%), used on average 6 days for cleaning and preparation of seeds before planting, used transplanting as the major sowing method (91%), applied both NPK and Urea fertilizer only when soil is wet (67%), but did not pay attention to soil condition to apply pesticide. Farmers mainly expected fertilizer to be able to, among other things, increase the rice yield, allow good filling of the grains and increase the number of grains per panicle. The popular fertilizers currently used by farmers included the NPK (12-22-22), the combined NPK (15-15-15) & Urea (N, 46%), and the combined NPK (12-22-22) & Urea (N, 46%). In both groups of farmers, similar pieces of land were allocated to rice production with a mean value of 2.7 ha. The average yield was 3.1 tons/ha, with a significantly higher yield in the participation group than in the non-participation group. Regarding the Ajinomoto fertilizer technology, findings unsurprisingly showed highly significant differences in terms of knowledge and use of Ajinomoto fertilizer between participant and non-participant farmers. Overall, participants had a very good awareness and experience with the AF and were willing to adopt it. More than half of farmers (61%) were aware of the AF, including nearly half of non-participant farmers (42%) in addition to 100% of participant farmers. Up to 94% of non-participants in addition to 100% of participants were willing to use the AF and ready to apply it on 82.68% of their total area cultivated to rice, resulting in a total area of 2.33 ha of land to be under the AF use. Furthermore, rice farmers (75%) were also willing to extend the application of the AF to other crops apart from rice. In terms of their perception on the performance of the technology compared to other fertilizers used, participant farmers agreed with all the sixteen (16) statements on the performance of the AF, in comparison to the other fertilizers they used.
Situation of the inclusion of women and young people in agricultural and rural areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
(Report, 2024-11-30) Yeo, P.A.; Arouna, A.,; Yergo, W.; Mushiya, J.; Lufuluabo, M.M.; Mujawamariya, G.
From 24 to 29 August 2024, data was collected on the situation regarding the inclusion of women and young people in rural agricultural areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is part of the activities to be carried out by the CGIAR TAFS-WCA initiative, including reflections on gender issues and obstacles to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in agricultural value chains. The research approach is qualitative and ethnographic. The surveys covered three cultural areas in North Kivu: the villages of Kibumba/Nyiragongo and Masisi in Goma; Mudaka and Kavumo in Bukavu; and Kamanyola and Luvungi in Uvira. Stakeholder consultations were based on Focus Group Discussions (FGD), small group interviews and semi-structured individual interviews. A total of 106 agricultural stakeholders were interviewed in the selected communities. The data was analysed using an approach that prioritised their opinions. Overall, women farmers in Kivu face major challenges in terms of economic and social inclusion. Local customs tend to discriminate against them. In many areas, women are seen as beings who must remain at the service and under the authority of men. They also find it difficult to gain personal access to the land because of the man's control over this resource. Women in Kivu therefore find it very difficult to be autonomous. Young people are also faced with the challenge of inclusion in the farming communities of North Kivu. Perceived as social cadets, they are generally excluded from resource management. Only their elders manage to develop prosperous production activities thanks to their control over access to land. These conditions discourage many young people from getting involved in farming. Due to a lack of opportunities, some of them are driven to rural exodus or to take winding paths such as enlisting in the ranks of the armed rebel groups occupying the east of the country. This data confirms how the gender inequalities faced by women and young people in rural areas affect their social and economic development.
Analyzing Farmers’ Behavior in the Adoption of Paid Digital Extension Service: Experimental Evidence of Rice Advice in Nigeria
(Journal Article, 2024) Amoussouhoui, R.; Arouna, A.; Cerjak, M.; Yergo, W.G.; Banout, J.
Situation of the inclusion of women and young people in agricultural and rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire: Study Report
(Report, 2024-11-30) Yeo, P.; Arouna, A.; Mobio, A.; Kra, G.; Mujawamariya, G.
From 7 to 17 February 2024, data was collected on the situation regarding the inclusion of women and young people in agricultural and rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire. It is part of one of the TAFS-WCA's priority objectives, which is to examine in greater depth the obstacles to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in agricultural value chains. The research approach is qualitative and ethnographic. The surveys covered two distinct cultural areas, namely the village of Angôkou-Appiakro (Bouake department) and Dikouéhi Palegnoa (Gagnoa department). Stakeholder consultations were based on Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and semi-structured interviews. A total of 58 agricultural stakeholders were interviewed in the selected communities. The data was analysed using an approach that prioritised their opinions. In the village of Angôkou-Appiakro, the data shows that it is difficult for women to be autonomous. Apart from widows, they have no control over production assets and resources. Men deny them the full freedom and resources they need to do so. As a result, women are excluded from participating in decision-making at community level. They remain under the authority of men. Young people are also particularly vulnerable to economic inequalities because of the mismatch between their aspirations and the social norms in force in their community. They are traditionally sidelined by their social elders in the management of day to-day affairs and resources, which reinforces their precariousness.
An experimental approach to farmer valuation of African rice genetic resources
(Journal Article, 2024-10-21) Tyack, N.; Arouna, A.; Aboudou, R.; Ndjiondjop, M.N.
Genebanks serve as both providers of valuable traits for breeding programs and repositories of diverse crop genetic material representing society's agricultural heritage. In this study, we use a Becker-DeGroot-Marschak mechanism to elicit the willingness-to-pay of rice farmers in Côte d'Ivoire for small amounts of African rice (Oryza glaberrima) landraces held by the genebank of the Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa, and for seed of newly developed ARICA rice varieties bred using genebank materials. Using a field experiment, we additionally investigate how randomized exposure to and experimentation with small amounts of African rice landrace seed or seed of advanced rice varieties developed by AfricaRice affect how smallholder rice farmers value these novel genetic resources. Surprisingly, we find that farmers generally value having access to African rice landraces at approximately the same level as for advanced rice varieties (and far above market rates for improved seed), and that those farmers who grew landrace seed in the offseason were willing to pay more than those who did not. Our results demonstrate the additional value provided by the conservation of African rice landrace varieties (apart from their use in breeding) and highlight the importance of experimentation in the adoption process.
Impact assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and food security of rice smallholder producers in five African countries
(Journal Article, 2024) Arouna, A.; Adekambi, S.A.; Aboudou, R.; Yergo, W.G.; Mujawamariya, G.
Sustainable investment in inclusive landscape management for agrifood system transformation in Ghana: the case of Ahafo Ano South West District
(Brief, 2024-12-16) Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Inclusive landscape management plan for resilient agri-food system in the Nyamagana landscape in Burundi
(Report, 2024-12-30) Niyuhire, M. C.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke O.; Havyarimana, D.; Niyoyankunze, J. M. V.
The Inclusive Landscape Management (ILM) is a comprehensive approach to landscape management that considers the needs of all stakeholders, with particular focus on the local communities. The primary aim of the Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) for Cibitoke Province in Burundi is to establish a framework that promotes sustainable landscape management and development. This initiative, part of the TAFS-WCA project, seeks to mitigate increasing pressures on landscapes caused by deforestation, land degradation, poor water management, unsustainable mining practices, and climate change. The ILMP emphasizes the integration of social and ecological systems, while encouraging local participation and promoting sustainable resource management. It is grounded in extensive stakeholder engagement and shared ownership of decision-making. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) collaborated with gender and social inclusion experts, local informants, and community members from the Nyamagana micro-watershed to develop this plan. The initial phase involved crafting a narrative to inspire inclusive landscape management in the region, followed by an assessment of current conditions and the identification of key challenges and opportunities. The Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) research team and stakeholders formulated management strategies to enhance the social-ecological landscape of Nyamagana. These strategies are designed to address core issues while achieving desired outcomes. The collective vision guiding the ILMP is "to sustainably co-harvest landscape resources in a transparent and accountable manner to foster resilient communities and healthy ecosystems in Nyamagana." Stakeholders proposed various response strategies, including improved agricultural systems, enhanced irrigation infrastructure, adoption of better seeds, restoration of soil and forests, and upgrading of farmers' skills and practices. The ILMP is a living document that will be regularly updated to adapt to environmental changes and evolving stakeholder needs. It serves as a vital resource for promoting inclusive and sustainable landscape management within the Nyamagana social-ecological sub-watershed and across Cibitoke Province.
Gender equality and social inclusion in landscape management: the case of Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts in Rwanda
(Report, 2024-12-30) Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Muhorakeye, L.; Uwanyirigira, D.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Atampugre, Gerald; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in agriculture and natural resource management is crucial for addressing climate change and land degradation. In Rwanda, laws and policies support gender equality and environmental sustainability. Despite efforts to involve both genders in decision-making, power dynamics persist, impacting landscape management priorities, knowledge valuation, resource rights, benefits distribution, and decision processes. This study investigates the interplay between gender and multiple identities, including marital status, socioeconomic status, and age, alongside power dynamics. It emphasizes how these factors affect rights to resources, the transfer of knowledge and skills, and the impact on participation in decision-making processes which are essential for effective landscape management in the Rubyiro Sub-Catchment located in Rwanda's Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. It is a qualitative study based on data gathered in May and June 2024 using eight key informant interviews (four men and four women), 20 household interviews (ten men and ten women), and eight focus group discussions (four with men groups and four with women groups). The results suggest that the Government of Rwanda has put in place legal frameworks to advance environmental sustainability, gender equality, and sustainable development. However, the experiences of farmers, regardless of gender, highlight that age, gender, socio-economic conditions, and power relations significantly impact their rights to resources, their capacity to voice opinions, and their representation in landscape management, thereby affecting its effectiveness. The following are the three primary key results and recommendations. • The study reveals that both genders, particularly younger men, and women from resourcepoor households, face limited access to resources like land, water, and financial support due to poverty and patriarchal cultures. This leads to unsustainable practices, limited economic opportunities, and limited eco-friendly livelihoods. Addressing these challenges requires interventions that focus on the needs, priorities, barriers, and challenges of the diverse social groups, and ensure access to resources and services, and benefits. • Male heads in households often control information, creating a gender and generational gap in ecological knowledge. Gender disparities in priorities and knowledge also exist in landscape management, with women prioritizing adaptive strategies for food security and men prioritizing economic gains over sustainability. To effectively address the gender gaps in ecological knowledge in the context of landscape management, it is vital to pursue inclusive educational and communication strategies. This includes organizing community workshops that cater to men and women from diverse social group, focusing on the food security priorities of women, and creating platforms for dialogue across generations. Moreover, it is necessary to establish gender-sensitive policies and harness technology to facilitate the broad dissemination of information. • The research also reveals significant differences in leadership roles and decision-making between men and women, due to patriarchal norms and economic challenges. Women are underrepresented in conservation decision-making due to domestic duties and poverty, further marginalizing their voices. Limited involvement of women, men, and youth from diverse social groups in landscape management decision-making processes perpetuates cycles of poverty and poor resource use. We recommend adopting interventions that address the barriers to enhance equitable participation in leadership positions, while promoting gender-sensitive practices and fostering collaboration.

Browse

Recent Submissions