Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?

Interest is growing for the development of inclusive seed production models. However, there is limited understanding of gender-based roles and constraints and how these might influence gender relations in seed production. Through a case study on sweetpotato seed production in Lake Zone Tanzania, thi...

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Main Authors: McEwan, M., Matui, M.S., Mayanja, S., Namanda, S., Ogero, K.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Springer 2023
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/129887
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author McEwan, M.
Matui, M.S.
Mayanja, S.
Namanda, S.
Ogero, K.
author_browse Matui, M.S.
Mayanja, S.
McEwan, M.
Namanda, S.
Ogero, K.
author_facet McEwan, M.
Matui, M.S.
Mayanja, S.
Namanda, S.
Ogero, K.
author_sort McEwan, M.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Interest is growing for the development of inclusive seed production models. However, there is limited understanding of gender-based roles and constraints and how these might influence gender relations in seed production. Through a case study on sweetpotato seed production in Lake Zone Tanzania, this article examines men’s and women’s roles in seed production with the introduction of specialized seed practices and a commercial orientation. The study uses data from 17 field-based plot observations and eight sex disaggregated focus group discussions (FGDs) with 33 (51% women and 48% men) decentralized vine multipliers (DVMs). Participatory, gender-based analytical tools were used to obtain an in-depth understanding of gender dimensions and implications of new seed production practices, the resources required and access to those resources. Our findings show that men and women have complementary roles in specialized seed production, and that men increased their involvement in production and commercialization, especially when larger monetary inputs and transactions took place. Women gained new tangible (income) and intangible (knowledge) assets, which enhanced their community status. Women’s contributions to household income became more visible. In conclusion male-takeover did not take place. There were changes in the perceptions around sweetpotato production and gender relations. As women’s contributions to household income became more visible, they were able to negotiate with their husbands on access to key resources to maintain this household revenue stream. We discuss how the new knowledge and skills related to seed production enhanced women’s status in the community. These dynamics initiated changes in gender relations and challenged prevailing community perceptions on gender roles.
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spelling CGSpace1298872024-11-14T08:05:16Z Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania? McEwan, M. Matui, M.S. Mayanja, S. Namanda, S. Ogero, K. seed gender sweet potatoes Interest is growing for the development of inclusive seed production models. However, there is limited understanding of gender-based roles and constraints and how these might influence gender relations in seed production. Through a case study on sweetpotato seed production in Lake Zone Tanzania, this article examines men’s and women’s roles in seed production with the introduction of specialized seed practices and a commercial orientation. The study uses data from 17 field-based plot observations and eight sex disaggregated focus group discussions (FGDs) with 33 (51% women and 48% men) decentralized vine multipliers (DVMs). Participatory, gender-based analytical tools were used to obtain an in-depth understanding of gender dimensions and implications of new seed production practices, the resources required and access to those resources. Our findings show that men and women have complementary roles in specialized seed production, and that men increased their involvement in production and commercialization, especially when larger monetary inputs and transactions took place. Women gained new tangible (income) and intangible (knowledge) assets, which enhanced their community status. Women’s contributions to household income became more visible. In conclusion male-takeover did not take place. There were changes in the perceptions around sweetpotato production and gender relations. As women’s contributions to household income became more visible, they were able to negotiate with their husbands on access to key resources to maintain this household revenue stream. We discuss how the new knowledge and skills related to seed production enhanced women’s status in the community. These dynamics initiated changes in gender relations and challenged prevailing community perceptions on gender roles. 2023-06 2023-04-03T17:11:11Z 2023-04-03T17:11:11Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/129887 en Open Access Springer McEwan, M.; Matui, M. S.; Mayanja, S.; Namanda, S.; Ogero, K. 2023. Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania? Food Security. ISSN 1876-4525.
spellingShingle seed
gender
sweet potatoes
McEwan, M.
Matui, M.S.
Mayanja, S.
Namanda, S.
Ogero, K.
Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?
title Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?
title_full Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?
title_fullStr Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?
title_full_unstemmed Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?
title_short Gender dynamics in seed systems: female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production, in Lake Zone Tanzania?
title_sort gender dynamics in seed systems female makeover or male takeover of specialized sweetpotato seed production in lake zone tanzania
topic seed
gender
sweet potatoes
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/129887
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