Scientists and extension workers are actively seeking the participation of women in devising on-farm strategies. This project illustrates the benefits reaped through gender inclusivity.
From selecting crop varieties that met their requirements to updating farming and business skills through trainings on improved crop and seed production practices, women farmers in Vietnam, Laos, Nepal and India played a key role in improving the productivity and sustainability of rainfed agriculture in their respective project regions.
On-farm practices and technologies introduced in 2014
Gender component in trainings
Among the 3,000 farmers and extension workers trained to facilitate adoption of new technologies, close to 50% were women.
Participation of women in trainings was monitored and efforts are being made to increase their involvement in Laos and the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh where participation is low.
Family farming initiatives involve women
cultivated improved pearl millet hybrids
cultivated improved mung bean
Rajasthan
Jharkhand
Madhya Pradesh
Women farmers were given training in preparing snacks from legumes, soymilk, and pickling of local low-cost fruits like Phyllanthus emblica (amla) andZiziphus mauritiana (ber). Machines were provided for food processing. These products added to the household’s nutritional security as well as helped the women earn additional income.
Farm practices introduced
Women farmers play an active role in the choice of crop varieties, seed production and sales.
Women farmers formed 12 community-based seed production groups. They were supplied seed and storage bins. They were trained in preparation of snacks and provided bag-sealers, plastic bags and other equipment needed to start a mini agro-enterprise.
Farm practices introduced
Seed production farmer groups headed by women were identified and provided training in groundnut seed production and initial funding.
Farm practices introduced