Gender & Agriculture

KIT Royal Tropical Institute combines expertise in gender and agriculture to address gender-based inequalities in the agricultural sector. We look specifically at the men and women ‘left behind’ in agricultural development research, policy and practice.

In collaboration with ICARDA, I am conducting research on gendered opportunities and challenges for innovation in the forage value chain in Afghanistan. The research investigates how gender norms, roles and relations shape women farmers’ agency and autonomy as innovators. Findings from the research will be used to identify ways of narrowing the persistent “gender gap” in Afghanistan’s agriculture. This is an example of how KIT’s gender/agriculture work contributes to SDG 5 and 2.
Yngve Braaten, KIT Junior Advisor on Gender and Agriculture

We bring a gender lens to agriculture

We assist agricultural research institutes, international and non-governmental organizations, and governments to integrate gender equity into their agricultural programmes and facilitate transformative change.

Our international team of advisors specialises in applying a gender lens to agriculture – a unique blend of gender expertise that is specific to the agricultural sector and related fields, including aquaculture, livestock, natural resource management, climate change, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Our primary aim is to explore and articulate gender equality as a goal within agricultural initiatives (e.g. agricultural research and practice) and to support organisations and institutes in the agricultural sector by developing and strengthening gender equity (as a process leading towards equality) in their agricultural development programmes and projects.

Reaching gender objectives

We support our partners in reaching gender objectives in agricultural and natural resource management sectors, supporting and challenging their Theories of Change and enriching their understanding of the dynamic relationship between gender and agriculture. Our approach is tailored, agile, and encourages our partners to critically reflect upon the state of gender equality in their work, including methods to improve and advance gender equality in their policies and agricultural development strategies.

Specifically, we support gender in agricultural programmes and projects through:

Coordination of an international network of gender researchers in the domains of aquaculture, agriculture and natural resource management
Action research and applied research in collaboration with partners
Coaching, mentoring & capacity development
Management support
Gender training, audits, coaching and research support
Evaluations, monitoring evaluation and learning systems & reviews

CGIAR Collaborative Platform for Gender Research

For example, KIT coordinates the CGIAR Collaborative Platform for Gender Research, which aims to increase the visibility and impact of gender research undertaken across CGIAR. The Platform supports priority setting for gender research, strategic partnerships, capacity development, and collaboration between and among CGIAR programs, centers, and partners, building on the work of system-wide gender network established in 2011. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secured future.

Our services

Applied Research & Knowledge Management

As a knowledge institute KIT Royal Tropical Institute compiles, analyses and develops new knowledge about health systems, sustainable economic development and gender, and supports others in using this knowledge for sustainable change.

More about Applied Research & Knowledge Management

Training, Coaching & Education

KIT Royal Tropical Institute provides tailor-made training to clients such as educational and research institutes, NGOs and local or national governments and ministries across the globe. Our programmes are specifically designed to address the unique objectives and capacities of the requesting organisation.

More about Training, Coaching & Education

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment

Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment are powerful tools to assess health, social, and economic impact. They allow us to learn what works and why. Our expertise and track record in these areas make us well-equipped to evaluate your work.

More about Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment