African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) works toward inclusive, agriculture-driven prosperity for the African continent. It does so by strengthening the production and dissemination of more gender-responsive agricultural research and innovation. Gender-responsive agricultural research takes into account different gender dynamics depending on the purpose of a study. For example, it can be strategic (research focusing mainly on gender in the field of agriculture), or it can be integrative (gender components are integrated into agricultural research that is not per se focused on gender).

Transforming Africa’s agricultural value chains through gender-responsive research

AWARD offers courses covering a broad range of knowledge and skills designed to leave participants enlightened, empowered and inspired to make an impact on their careers and the institutions for whom they work. In 2017, AWARD sought to partner with an organisation to develop a rigorous five-day course on Gender Responsive Agricultural Research for Development (GRARD) and to strengthen AWARD’s training capacity on gender-responsive agricultural research. KIT was selected because of our recognised role as a leader in gender capacity strengthening of agriculture research organisations as well as KIT’s previous experience in developing and applying conceptual frameworks to advance gender equality in agriculture.

KIT, together with the AWARD Programme and training team, designed a five-day curriculum on GRARD. The course is intended primarily for agricultural researchers , programme managers and leaders of national/regional agricultural research institutions across Africa. The KIT team developed the theoretical foundation of the course. As part of this effort, KIT designed a practical and innovative conceptual framework outlining how gender-responsive research can lead to transformative change in Africa’s agricultural value chains. Departing from the conceptual framework, KIT designed several course sessions with the objectives to:

• Create a common understanding of gender-responsive research, and its benefits for agricultural research for development.
• Strengthen participant’s technical skills for the implementation of GRARD in their own research cycles.
• Support National Agricultural Research Systems leaders and managers to understand and appreciate how gender responsive agricultural research for development applies to their institutions and beyond.
• Raise awareness about the value of, and methods for advancing GRARD, both amongst individual researchers and research institutions.
• Equip participants with knowledge and skills on how to work in multidisciplinary and diverse teams.

Future expansion of the course

The GRARD Course was successfully piloted in October 2018. The course is tentatively scheduled for roll out in July 2019. Stay up to date on course information visiting the AWARD website.null