Mainstreaming gender and social differentiation into CCAFS research activities in West Africa: lessons learned and perspectives

Abstract

This Info Note summarizes the results of activities and studies carried out at the CCAFS Climate-Smart Village sites in Ghana, Niger, Senegal, Mali and Niger to mainstream gender into participatory action research at the sites. Key messages Success in gender mainstreaming in CSVs work requires: (i) a capacity building of implementation team and partners in participatory gender research, (ii) an involvement of women through development and implementation of gender responsive projects, and (iii) an empowerment of women groups around CSA activities. Women and men have similar perceptions of climate variability and change in Ghana and Mali CSV sites. However their perceptions on adaptation strategies are different. Women and men have different access and use of CSA technologies and practices including climate information services because of gender gap in agriculture across the assets and resources (access to phone, access to education, and access to trainings)