Report on gender inclusion in small-scale irrigation

Abstract

Introducing small-scale irrigation can bring opportunities for empowerment and exclusion. To support equity and inclusion, projects must go beyond technology access alone. Situated outside formal public programs, companies and organizations must design market or public interventions to reach women through their preferred information sources, offer technologies suitable for multiple purposes, provide relevant financial tools and credit products, and facilitate market linkages and household cooperation that can help women turn a profit from irrigation. Opportunities for women in irrigated production and value chains can significantly increase the overall number of people adopting and benefitting from small-scale irrigation.