Equal numbers, equal chances? A case study of gender differences in the distribution of social capital in smallholder farmer groups in Búzi District, Mozambique

Abstract

Despite the potential for local groups to contribute to rural development, it remains questionable whether social capital – as the ‘missing link’ in development – is compatible with the idea of gender equity strived for in ‘gender mainstreamed’ development projects. This paper examines engendered differences in smallholder farmer groups in Búzi district, and how social capital is generated and distributed. Although men and women equally invest in groups, in terms of participation in group activities or contribution of communal work, the benefits of social capital are significantly unequally distributed. Women find it harder to transform the number of social relations into improved information, access to markets or help in case of need.