Value Chain Basics
What is an agricultural value chain?
Every step involved in bringing food from the farm to the plate
What is the first step in integrating gender analysis into agricultural value chains?
Gender mapping
Why is women's financial independence important for their participation in the agricultural value chain?
Being able to start their own businesses and modernize their agricultural systems; having ownership over land and being able to dictate what is planted, nutritional considerations
What happens when irrigation systems are inefficient?
Water wastage can contribute to water scarcity, increasing costs for producers and making production unsustainable
Who are some participants in agricultural value chains?
What does "GBC" stand for in the context of the USAID framework?
Gender-based constraints
What are some common constraints that women face in participating in the agricultural value chain?
Discriminatory land laws and social attitudes; Exclusion from agricultural education
What are some large constraints on growth for rural agricultural producers/businesses?
Limited knowledge of modern/sustainable farming practices; Lack of access to markets; Lack of funding/lending systems for rural farms
What are some organizations important to agricultural value chain development?
USAID, The World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
What is one way to combat gender-based constraints?
Financial incentives for women to participate in workforce; Training programs for women entrepreneurs; Skills development programs
What is the "feminization of agriculture"?
The increased involvement of women in agriculture
What happens when crop yields are increased?
Increased exports and profits; increased employment opportunities