Scientific Publication

Sustainable agricultural intensification and gender-biased land tenure systems: An exploration and conceptualization of interactions

author(s) Fischer, Gundula - Darkwah, A. - Kamoto, J. - Kampanje-Phiri, J. - Grabowski, P. - Djenontin, I.N.S.
from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
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themes
regions
  • Africa
  • World
  • Southern Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Western Africa
  • Eastern Africa
citation

Fischer, G., Darkwah, A., Kamoto, J., Kampanje-Phiri, J., Grabowski, P. and Djenontin, I.N.S. 2020. Sustainable agricultural intensification and gender-biased land tenure systems: An exploration and conceptualization of interactions. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability

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Abstract

How does sustainable agricultural intensification’s (SAI) tenet of increased productivity on the same area of land relate to prevailing gender-biased land tenure systems? How can one conceptualize the interactions between intensified land use and control over land, labour, crops and benefits – and how can equitable outcomes be facilitated? These questions (which have not yet received sufficient attention in SAI research) are explored in this study using a qualitative methodology and a gender transformative approach. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a total of 248 respondents were conducted in matrilineal and patrilineal intensification contexts in Ghana and Malawi. We develop a conceptual framework that extends Kabeer’s institutional analysis to include gender implications of SAI. Selected cases reveal how farmers and key actors link land-use intensification to existing land-related institutions with diverse outcomes. We conclude that SAI interventions should adopt gender-transformative approaches. These facilitate equitable outcomes by supporting consensus-based institutional changes and creating positive synergies between multiple scales.

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