Can Integrated Agriculture-Nutrition Programs Change Gender Norms on Land and Asset Ownership? Evidence from Burkina Faso

Abstract

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), established in 1975, provides evidence-based policy solutions to sustainably end hunger and malnutrition and reduce poverty. The Institute conducts research, communicates results, optimizes partnerships, and builds capacity to ensure sustainable food production, promote healthy food systems, improve markets and trade, transform agriculture, build resilience, and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is considered in all of the Institute's work. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world, including development implementers, public institutions, the private sector, and farmers' organizations, to ensure that local, national, regional, and global food policies are based on evidence. IFPRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium.

Can Integrated Agriculture-Nutrition Programmes Change Gender Norms on Land and Asset Ownership? Evidence from Burkina Faso

“…Furthermore, women were unable to inherit land from their husbands if they had no children with him (van den Bold et al 2013b). …”

“…Both men and women in participating villages expected that some form of land development and redistribution/subdivision of land would occur. Those who did not expect any future changes in men’s ability to own and/or use land cited traditional practices as the main reason (van den Bold et al 2013b). …”

“…In this article we draw on van den Bold et al [2013b], and examine how HKI’s E-HFP programme influenced women’s accumulation, ownership and control over agricultural and animal assets and norms regarding control and ownership of those assets, using a mixed methods approach. We used quantitative data from a randomised control trial to assess the short-term net effect of the asset transfer on intrahousehold asset distribution, and in turn to determine whether productive assets transferred and increased income generating opportunities for women remain with the women or are re-appropriated within the household.…”

Review paper on ‘Garden Kits’ in Africa: lessons learned and the potential of improved water management

“…To this we would add that home garden interventions need to be undertaken in a landscape and agro-ecological systems perspective; indeed home gardens may be an effective entry point to achieving sustainable intensification of agriculture and improved human wellbeing. In addition, home gardens may offer an entry point for empowering women, though the evidence for this is mixed (van den Bold et al 2013a). …”

“…It is too early in the program to report results, though HKI (2012) quotes anecdotal evidence for positive impacts. van den Bold et al (2013a), a product of the IFPRI research, focuses on whether HKI's homestead food production programs improve women's access to and control over productive assets and actually enhance women's human capital. They find that there is evidence that women's control over assets is beginning to change as are people's perceptions and opinions about who can own and control assets.…”