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Improving Gender Responsiveness of Agricultural Extension

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Gender in Agriculture

Abstract

This chapter makes the case for improving the gender-responsiveness of agricultural extension systems through consideration of (1) whether the gender of the extension agent affects the effectiveness of extension services; (2) whether both men and women receive extension advice; and (3) how extension services are delivered. As part of this, the author looks at issues surrounding quality and emphasis of extension services. The author then reviews the evidence on gender differences in access to formal extension agent visits and to other sources of extension information, and the factors that lead to women having lower access to extension services. At this point, the chapter examines the experience of programs and projects that aim to increase women’s access to extension, with more detailed analysis of extension system reforms in India (ATMA model), Uganda (NAADS), Venezuela (privatization and decentralization), and Ethiopia (sectoral policies). Subsequently, the chapter reviews innovative literature on the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in extension. The concluding section examines lessons learned and key messages.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Empirical studies reviewed here have looked at a wide range of technologies being promoted, from planting techniques, improved seed varieties, use of fertilizer, and disease control to postharvest techniques, group formation, marketing, sanitation, and hygiene.

  2. 2.

    Conversely, with real commitment, it is possible to increase women’s involvement in extension. In The Gambia, the proportion of female agricultural extension workers has increased from 5 % in 1989 to more than 60 % today, paying increased attention to women’s livestock information needs, especially regarding small ruminant and poultry production (FAO 2003).

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Acknowledgments

This chapter draws from the discussion on extension in Meinzen-Dick et al. (2010).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Development Strategy and Governance Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, 2033 K Street, N.W, Washington, DC, 20006, USA

    Catherine Ragasa

Authors
  1. Catherine Ragasa
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catherine Ragasa .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Inst., Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Agnes R. Quisumbing

  2. Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Ruth Meinzen-Dick

  3. The State of Food and Agriculture, Agricultural Development Economics Division, Economic and Social Development Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy

    Terri L. Raney

  4. Agricultural Development Economics Division, Economic and Social Development Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy

    André Croppenstedt

  5. Department of Sociology, New York University, New York, New York, USA

    Julia A. Behrman

  6. Department of Public Policy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

    Amber Peterman

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Ragasa, C. (2014). Improving Gender Responsiveness of Agricultural Extension. In: Quisumbing, A., Meinzen-Dick, R., Raney, T., Croppenstedt, A., Behrman, J., Peterman, A. (eds) Gender in Agriculture. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8616-4_17

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