Exploring gender dimensions of farming through participatory mapping

Abstract

W omen farmers contribute much more than their male counterparts in crop production and management (Ogato et al. 2009). However, despite their significant contribution to the agricultural sector, their roles are often undervalued. Farm mapping is one of the many tools used in participatory agricultural research. In Prochalate, El Savador, farm mapping was used to study gender segregation on farm use and decision-making (De Boef and Thijssen, 2007). The method is very useful in exploring the contributions of household members (women, girls, men, boys) in farm use and management. It helps provide insights as to how space is used in the farm, and how women, girls, men and boys are segregated in decision- making and in implementing farm activities. It can also be used to explore access and control over resources and income