Message 18: Barbara van Koppen

To support and further elaborate what Ruth (message 9) says: agriculture is still largely seen as a male domain. In male farming systems, where most farm decision makers are men, this stereotype is close to reality, although, as Violet mentions, women make essential labor contributions as unpaid family laborers. In dual or female farming systems, though, where half or more of farm decision-makers are women, it becomes a completely different ball-game: mainstreaming gender is a matter of achieving agricultural growth. One woman in a water users’ association committee may be a revolution in Nepal; one woman in a water users association in South Africa is a shame. In South Africa, women’s own land rights for higher agricultural productivity and equity can be put forward as a mainstream gender issue. In Nepal, or Europe, the road will be longer.

The point I try to make is: considering local specificity can overcome abstract and therefore easier-to-ignore recommendations.

Cheers

Barbara