A study of evidence in mainstreaming social inclusion into programmes promoting agricultural productivity and access to markets among the rural poor

Abstract

This study is a rapid assessment of the evidence regarding effective approaches to promoting agricultural productivity and improving access to markets, across different social groups of the rural poor, with a particular focus on those at risk of exclusion. The objective is to inform the design of the new DFID Zimbabwe Livelihoods and Food Security Programme, including the terms of reference and programme of work for the monitoring and evaluation and research unit. The intention is that gender and social inclusion issues will be integrated within programme design (undertaken by the implementing partners) from the outset and be mainstreamed throughout the programme. The review was commissioned through the Evidence on Demand Helpdesk for DFID Zimbabwe. This report has been produced by Susanne Turrall for Evidence on Demand with the assistance of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) contracted through the Climate, Environment, Infrastructure and Livelihoods Professional Evidence and Applied Knowledge Services (CEIL PEAKS) programme, jointly managed by HTSPE Limited and IMC Worldwide Limited