Mixed-methods gender analysis country report, Zimbabwe: Building Equitable Climate Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS)

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cg.authorship.typesNot CGIAR international institute
cg.coverage.countryZimbabwe
cg.coverage.iso3166-alpha2ZW
cg.coverage.regionAfrica
cg.coverage.regionEastern Africa
cg.coverage.regionSub-Saharan Africa
cg.identifier.projectCANADA-GAC-Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean and Insect Vectors (BRAINS)
cg.subject.actionAreaGenetic Innovation
cg.subject.alliancebiovciatAGRICULTURE
cg.subject.alliancebiovciatBEANS
cg.subject.alliancebiovciatFOOD SYSTEMS
cg.subject.alliancebiovciatGENDER AND EQUITY
cg.subject.alliancebiovciatRESILIENCE
cg.subject.impactAreaClimate adaptation and mitigation
cg.subject.impactAreaGender equality, youth and social inclusion
cg.subject.impactAreaNutrition, health and food security
cg.subject.sdgSDG 1 - No poverty
cg.subject.sdgSDG 2 - Zero hunger
cg.subject.sdgSDG 3 - Good health and well-being
cg.subject.sdgSDG 5 - Gender equality
cg.subject.sdgSDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth
cg.subject.sdgSDG 10 - Reduce inequalities
cg.subject.sdgSDG 12 - Responsible production and consumption
cg.subject.sdgSDG 13 - Climate action
cg.subject.sdgSDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals
dc.contributor.authorChisorochengwe, Nyarai
dc.contributor.authorOuya, Fredrick
dc.contributor.authorNdigwirei, Shupikai
dc.contributor.authorShumbayaonda, Scholastica
dc.contributor.authorTsekenedza, Shylet
dc.contributor.authorMakumbe, Louisa
dc.contributor.authorHodzi, Jonathan
dc.contributor.authorChiwawa, Andrew
dc.contributor.authorMuzofa, Peter
dc.contributor.authorFombong, Ayuka
dc.contributor.authorMuriithi, Beatrice
dc.date.accessioned2026-05-13T09:22:14Z
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/182895
dc.titleMixed-methods gender analysis country report, Zimbabwe: Building Equitable Climate Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS)en
dcterms.abstractAgriculture remains a crucial pillar of livelihoods, food security, and economic development in Zimbabwe; however, it is increasingly threatened by climatic variability, including irregular rainfall, extended dry spells, and rising temperatures. This report presents findings from a gender-responsive baseline survey conducted under the Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS) initiative across Mutoko, Murehwa, and Mutasa districts. Employing a mixed-methods approach that involved a household survey of 123 farmers, along with focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the study examined gender-differentiated engagement, access to resources, and resilience within bean, fruit tree, and insect value chains. The results reveal that smallholder agricultural systems are predominantly mixed and subsistence-oriented, with increasing vulnerability to climate-related hazards that diminish productivity, income stability, and food security. The results reveal significant gender disparities in access to productive resources, market participation, and decision-making. Women play an essential role in agricultural activities, especially in planting, weeding, harvesting, and local marketing, and they are more involved in subsistence and informal market systems. However, they continue to face barriers in obtaining land, farm inputs, extension services, and formal market access. Men, on the other hand, are more integrated into economic value chains, input systems, and institutional networks. Although land ownership levels seem equal, differences in land use, social network participation, and access to services point to underlying inequality. The study also shows that, despite relatively high awareness of climate-smart behaviours and agro-weather information, effective utilization remains limited by restricted access to supporting technology, financial resources, and inclusive delivery systems. Despite these constraints, farmers demonstrate adaptive flexibility through strategies such as crop diversification, mulching, water conservation, and adjusting planting schedules. Emerging opportunities exist within integrated value chains, especially in beans, fruit trees, and insect-based industries, as well as via farmer groups and digital communication channels supported by youth. However, realizing these potentials requires targeted, gender-sensitive approaches. The research recommends expanding access to resources and markets for women, improving extension and agro-weather information systems, scaling up climate-smart technologies, and fostering inclusive growth in the value chain. Additionally, investments in youth participation and the development of industries like insect farming are essential for unlocking innovation and creating resilient, sustainable, and equitable agri-food systems in Zimbabwe.en
dcterms.accessRightsOpen Access
dcterms.bibliographicCitationChisorochengwe, N.; Ouya, F.; Ndigwirei, S.; Shumbayaonda, S.; Tsekenedza, S.; Makumbe, L.; Hodzi, J.; Chiwawa, A.; Muzofa, P.; Fombong, A.; Muriithi, B. (2026) Mixed-methods gender analysis country report, Zimbabwe: Building Equitable Climate Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS). 39 p.en
dcterms.issued2026-03
dcterms.languageen
dcterms.licenseCC-BY-4.0
dcterms.subjectempowermenten
dcterms.subjectresilienceen
dcterms.subjectgender analysisen
dcterms.typeReport

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