Women and agricultural productivity: Reframing the Issues. (26th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doss, Cheryl R.
• Is Part Of: Development policy review. Volume 36:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 50
• Publication Date: 2017-06-26
• Subjects: agricultural policy -- agricultural productivity -- developing countries -- gender -- smallholder farming; Developing countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.91
• DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-6764

Abstract

Abstract: Should agricultural development programmes target women in order to increase productivity? This article analyzes the challenges in distinguishing women's agricultural productivity from that of men. Most of the literature compares productivity on plots managed by women with those managed by men, ignoring the majority of agricultural households in which men and women are both involved in management and production. The empirical studies which have been carried out provide scant evidence for where the returns to projects may be highest, in terms of who to target. Yet, programmes that do not consider gendered responsibilities, resources and constraints, are unlikely to succeed, either in terms of increasing productivity or benefitting men and women smallholder farmers.