Gender Equality as a Development Factor in the Application of ICT for Agro-Forestry

Abstract

Agriculture continues to be the backbone of peasant economy and a source of subsistence in Botswana, and as such, innovative agricultural programs are introduced to benefit villagers. The case described in this chapter is that of Gamolele/Gakgatla watershed agro-forestry project, whose goal was to raise awareness of the existence of the six hectare plot and how it could be turned into viable agro-forestry and horticulture ventures mainly for sources of livelihood for community and its neighborhood. Technologies used during the life of the project included a computer and other modern ways of planting. Participants emerged with survival skills like knowledge of planting in rows, transplanting of seedlings and harvesting in rows, medicinal plants production, harnessing, and promotion of growing healthy foods by seasons. Participants learned to manage, use, and maintain technology by quick fixes or taking it to experts for more complex troubleshooting and final repairs. Overall, the emphasis was on attracting women to be part of experiencing using ICT in agro- forestry businesses, and this project successfully did this. This chapter thus shares experiences and lessons learned from the involvement of women together with challenges facing their involvement.

Closing ICT usability gaps for Nigerian women and girls: Strategies for reducing gender inequality

“…ICT usability is globally recognized as an enabler of modern technology-dependent innovations to improve the wellbeing of people [12], reduce gender productivity inequality, and strengthen the position of women for sustainable empowerment, productivity, and economic development, especially in Nigeria. The involvement of women and men in the usability of ICT across the globe indicates the need for gender-balanced participation [37]. Some researchers claimed that the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would be free of effort and would enhance his or her job performance is gender-sensitive in that it reflects along gender lines, and is influenced by ICT usability, and other demographic information such as age, gender, culture, ethics and values, social class, economic, education barriers, nationality, as well as attitudes [18], [25], and [27].…”