VIEW EVENT RECORDING

Developing and strengthening agricultural value chains is critical to reducing poverty in much of southern Africa. However, evidence shows that female farmers frequently achieve lower productivity from their land than male farmers, so understanding which interventions work to improve and increase productivity on both male and female managed farms is important.  Evaluations of the impact of Growth Pole Projects on male and female farmers and entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique aim to provide some insights and answers.

Julia Vaillant presents preliminary results from the baseline survey for the DRC Western Growth Proles project. Comparisons of female and male plot managers living in the same households show that higher rates of productivity are achieved by male plot managers. Her presentation explores whether women's responsibility for childcare and other domestic tasks provides an explanation for the gender productivity gap.

Joao Montalvao presents preliminary findings from the baseline survey for the Mozambique Integrated Growth Poles project. Evidence shows that the majority of women farmers practice subsistence farming, producing maize for family consumption. Yet some are able to break into cash crop markets, cultivating and marketing tobacco, soybeans, and sugar cane. What sets these high achieving women apart? Complementary evidence from the sub-region shows that the non-cognitive skills of women farmers, such as perseverance, passion for work, and optimism could play a decisive role.

The impact evaluations are supported by the Women’s Leadership in Small and Medium Enterprises (WLSME) Trust Fund and the Africa Gender Innovation Laboratory. The WLSME Trust Fund is a partnership with USAID that aims to promote and increase the entry and growth of women-owned and managed small and medium enterprises.