Tool

Participatory drudgery score and activity profile

Maize preparation Photo: Kipenz Films/CIMMYT

This tool examines the level of drudgery associated with various agricultural activities and technologies from a gender perspective.

Why is the tool important?

This tool aims to assess the level of drudgery (perceived drudgery/exertion) associated with various agricultural activities and technologies.

It aims to limit post-harvest losses, improve grain quality for the market, reduce drudgery and raise the productivity as well as the income of farm households.  In addition, the tool intends to fill a gap in research concerning the analysis of the gender dynamics surrounding technology's application.

Who is the tool for?

The Participatory drudgery score and activity profile tool is for researchers and practitioners.

Country of focus: Tanzania.

How can I use the tool?

Using the tool, researchers have assessed and compared the drudgery associated with maize shelling by hand, stick and machine in Tanzania, as well as the drudgery associated with maize monocropping and maize with living mulch in Ghana.

When and how was it developed?

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) developed this tool in 2021. It was supported by Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) grant number AID-BFS-G-11-00002 with funding by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Where can I get the tool? Who can I contact?

You can access the tool here or download the PDF (307 KB).

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