Gender and Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and Evidence

Abstract

The study suggests that gender inequality acts as a significant constraint to growth in sub-Saharan Africa, and that removing gender-based barriers to growth will make a substantial contribution to realizing Africa's economic potential. In particular we highlight gender gaps in education, related high fertility levels, gender gaps in formal sector employment, and gender gaps in access to assets and inputs in agricultural production as particular barriers reducing the ability of women to contribute to economic growth. By identifying some of the key factors that determine the ways in which men and women contribute to, and benefit (or lose) from, growth in Africa, we argue that looking at such issues through a gender lens is an essential step in identifying how policy can be shaped in a way that is explicitly gender-inclusive and …/

Gendered and Contextual Factors in the Design of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs for Tomato Growers in East Africa

“…The study started by assessing gender differences in socio-demographic factors. It is well documented in the gender and agricultural development literature that women in Africa, generally have lower levels of education than men (Blackden et al, 2005;Due & Gladwin, 1991;Quisumbing & Pandofelli, 2009). In this study, when gender differences in education were examined, without taking the context into account, male farmers were found to have significantly higher levels of education than female farmers.…”

“…These findings are consistent with the gender and agriculture literature that underscores African women's limited access to production-related resources (Boserup 1970;Davison, 1988;FAO, 2011;Lastarria-Cornhiel, 1997;Quisumbing & Pandofelli, 2009;Quisumbing et al, 2014). This may also be attributable to women being more likely to use the land under their control to satisfy household food production needs, leaving less land available for commercial crop production (Blackden et al, 2005;Kennedy & Peters, 1993;Quisumbing & Pandofelli, 2009). …”

“…The argument that gender matters in the design and implementation of agricultural development programs acknowledges women's important contribution to agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa (Blackden, Canagarajah, Klasen, & Lawson, 2005;Boserup, 1970;Erbaugh, Donnermyer, Amujal, & Kyamanywa, 2003;Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2011;Quisumbing et al, 2014). Despite their significant contribution to agriculture, it is often asserted that women farmers have often not benefitted from agricultural development efforts and that their productivity continues to lag behind that of male farmers (Boserup, 1970;FAO, 2011;Future Harvest, 2004;Saito, Spurling, & Mekonnen, 1994;Quisumbing et al, 2014).…”

A Global Assessment of Human Capital Mobility: The Role of Non-OECD Destinations

“…Net rates are high and similar to gross rates in small island developing states, but they are negative in high-income countries and, especially, in the countries of the GCC. The migration of highly skilled women is a matter of deep concern, not least since it is recognized that women's human capital is an important determinant of labor productivity, children's education, and economic growth (see for example Dollar & Gatti, 1999;Klasen, 2000;Knowles, Lorgelly, & Owen, 2002;Coulombe & Tremblay, 2006;Blackden, Canagarajah, Klasen, & Lawson, 2006). Societies that are characterized by a failure to invest in female education or else those that lose a high proportion of educated women through emigration, are therefore likely to exhibit slower growth rates and subsequently lower income levels.…”

Contemporary concerns in development studies: Perspectives from Tanzania and Zambia

“…Access to and ownership of land among women farmers, for instance, is one case in point (FAO 1988). Poor participation of women in agricultural policy and decision making is, among other factors, associated with their time constraints and contested responsibilities, let alone the critical question of control over incomes from investments in new agricultural technologies, export crop production inclusive (Blackden et al 2008). Segregation of women from playing a central position in agricultural policy making and practice can be traced back to colonial times.…”