Participatory approaches to identify and test gender-responsive seed information pathways

Abstract

This technical report comprises the results of a formative, exploratory study conducted to understand farmers’ preferences about which seed information pathways are most effective to provide them information on quality seeds of improved varieties. It is a part of a larger project aimed to identify and test out gender-responsive seed information and delivery pathways. While this particular exploratory study focused predominantly on seed information pathways, it is planned that future studies within this project shall consider the interlinkages between seed information and delivery pathways. The study incorporates an intersectional gender and social inclusion lens to understand farmers’ preferences for seed information pathways. It also adopts a participatory approach to seek farmers’ assessment of communication products designed to provide information on seeds of new varieties and aims to incorporate this feedback in improving the effectiveness of the products.

In partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with two groups of farmers– a mixed sex group and an all-women’s group belonging to farmer producer companies (FPCs) being supported by the CSA for seed production business in two districts of Telanagana, the Rajanna Sircilla and the Karimnagar districts. The CSA was requested to select a brochure and a video from their collection of communication products that were used for the testing process. The FGDs were conducted by two members of the IRRI team with the support of two members of the CSA.

It was found that farmers use a range of digital and non-digital pathways to access seed-related information with a slightly greater dependence on non-digital pathways. Men farmers appear to have slightly more digital access than women. It was found that while literacy does influence farmers’ information preferences, farmers who are unlettered still see value in brochures and other written material provided they have appropriate pictorial representations of important characteristics of the new variety. All farmers expect detailed information about crop varieties including duration, seasons, package of practices, market linkages and so on to be mentioned in communication products in order to help them make informed decisions.

The study found that gender plays an important role in influencing seed information choices among farmers although an intersectional analysis is equally critical to capture the diverse needs and expectations of women farmers. Furthermore, the study also revealed that women farmers are often equally interested in the marketing and business aspects of seed production as men.