Rural Women's Empowerment and Collective Action

n° 29 – October 2016 Dimitra Newsletter GENDER, RURAL WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT

Rural women’s empowerment and collective action © Christiane Monsieur dimitra newsletter | 29

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[email protected] – www.fao.org/dimitra Gender, InformationandCommunicationSpecialist Mauro Yannick Christiane Italy Viale delleTerme diCaracalla,00153Rome c/o FAO-ESP FAO-Dimitra 23 22 21 20 19 18 16 15 14 12 10 9 8 6 4 © Yannick De Mol 3 Table ofcontents | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Resources FAO Publications Dimitra Clubsinaction Dimitra ClubsinBrief Dimitra Clubsandcommunityradiostations the DR Congo–Bolsteringcollaborationbetween For a better use of practices For abetteruseofpractices Niger –Localsolutionsagainstmalnutrition 2016 Dimitra ClubsatEuropean Days Development women's groupswomen's Nepal –TheRWEEProgramme supports chair ofFENAFER Portrait Series–NiakateGoundoKamissoko, people startswithwomen Caisses derésilience: ofrural empowerment eradicate hunger infamilyfarmingto Uganda –Engagingwomen farmland forwomen Niger –Landcertificatesguaranteeaccessto nutrition andfoodsafety Ghana –Street foodLadies,entrepreneurs for benefit ofcommunities Life stories,individualcommitmentforthe children inGasseda Niger –Socialmobilizationoffersafuture to Bottaro De Mol,ProjectOfficer Monsieur,

Dimitra Coordinator Coordinator Dimitra

working towards the 17 Sustainable Develop working towardsthe17Sustainable Just oneyearago,worldleaderscommittedto Dear Readers, Editorial and DRC, whereindividualeventsandpath- from threelifestoriesBenin,Burundi difference. Thatisthemessagethatemerges At times,itisthelittlethingsthatmakea result ofhernegotiationskills. tificate of land belonging to her husband, as a formalcer- farmer hasmanagedtoobtain the spotlightonSeybouDjamma.Thiswoman to landisthesubjectofanarticlethatplaces village children.StillinNiger, women’saccess istrative problemthatiskeytothefutureof (Niger), whichhashelpedtosolveanadmin- tion triggeredbytheDimitraClubsinGasseda matter, describingthecommunitymobiliza- first articlegoesstraighttotheheartof of issue29theDimitraNewsletter. Thevery go handinhand.Thatisthecommontheme Empowerment andcollectiveactiontherefore access toinformation. organizational capacities, participation and cesses, ‘empowerment’meansstrengthening rural communitiesthemselves.Forthesepro- long-term social transformation, guided by to do,fosteringandsupportingtheprocessof That ispreciselywhattheDimitraProjectaims development, withaspecialfocusonwomen. atthecentreofsocio-economic social capital FAO initiativesinruralareasplacepeopleand In concreteterms,thatmeansensuringall and asameansforachievingalltheobjectives. recognized asanobjectiveinitself(Objective5) sidered critical for all the SDGs, and are both equality andwomen’sempowermentarecon many causes,leavingno-onebehind.Gender a worldfreeofpoverty, its itiscrucialtotackle often dependsonthatoftheothers.To achieve are inextricablylinked,andthesuccessofone change, education,etc.Alltheseobjectives lenges suchaspoverty, inequality, climate course ofthe21stcenturyandaddresschal ment Goals(SDG)designedtochangethe © FAO, 2016 The views expressed inthis information product are those of the author(s) anddonot necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO. are not mentioned. or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO inpreference to others of a similar nature that or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area The designations employed andthe presentation of material inthis information product donot imply the expression of any opinionwhatsoever onthe FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not impliedinany way. acknowledgement of FAO as the source andcopyright holder is given and that or for useinnon-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may becopied, FAO encourages the use,reproduction anddissemination of material inthis f - - - Dimitra Clubsasanentrypointforthepro The eventofferedanopportunitytopresent European DevelopmentDays,heldinBrussels. duringthe Niger programmewerecapitalized A thirdarticleshowshowresultsoftheRWEE- of horticulture(Nepal)andnutrition(Niger). presented inarticlesthataddressthesubject nomic Empowerment(RWEE) programmeis The jointUnitedNationsRuralWomen Eco livelihoods ofruralcommunitiesinhercountry. to landinMali,andforanimprovementthe devoted her life to fighting for women’s access Mali. ‘From agriculture topolitics’, Niakate has Federation ofRuralWomen’s Associationsof Goundo Kamissoko,ChairoftheNational Our Portraits Series introduces Ms Niakate Social PoliciesandRuralInstitutionsDivision Director adinterim Brave Ndisale I hopeyouenjoyreadingthisnewsletter! and theDemocraticRepublicofCongo. stories ofDimitraClubachievementsinNiger in recent months and presents a number of tion outlinesvariousclubactivitiescarriedout To conclude, the Dimitra Clubs in Brief sec- learning moduleforcapitalization. highlighted inanotherarticlethatdescribesa andthisis sons fromexperiencesisimportant, coordination atcommunitylevel.Drawingles gramme, creatingsynergiesandstrengthening areas: social,technicalandfinancial. crises, strengtheningtheircapacitiesinthree so thattheycanbetterrespondtoshocksand women’s associationsandfarmers’groups, in thisissue. The approach offers support to an integratedFAO approachthatisdescribed nities istheaimof‘Caissesderésilience’, Strengthening the resilience of ruralcommu- that havebenefitedthewholecommunity. ways have brought about changes in practices Design: FilipErkens - Ghent |Printed by Parys Printing, Evergem-Ghent - - -

october 2016 ©Ali Abdoulaye Abdoulaye ©Ali { 3 For more information, contact: For Mamoudou Ibrahim Farmo of Dimitra Clubs in Niger Coordinator [email protected] went through has led to greater awareness - of the challenges faced, but also to an indi vidual and collective undertaking of responsibilities and the emergence of women’s leadership. h Hamsa Maïkido records the birth certificates of two children in the village - that she can give them to each of their own ers. There is no charge for the beneficiaries Hamsa receives a nominal and, even better, (7 euros) per month for sum of 4 500 FCFA her responsibilities. The presence of Dimitra Clubs in Gasseda has unleashed a community dynamic that has enabled women and men in the village to work together so as to ensure an education and a future for their daughters and sons: “Being able to issue birth certificates on the spot means opening a door that was previ- ously firmly closed. Only a few months ago, you had to travel for 3 days at huge expense. Schooling was jeopardized as a result,” said Hamsa, during a Dimitra Club meeting held in Niamey last May. This achievement by the clubs, together with Hamsa’s personal involvement, illustrates the maturity of the Gasseda clubs and its the clubsprocess that communities. The Social mobilization offers offers mobilization Social | In the village of Gasseda, Dimitra Clubs have been discussing the importance of education for the importance of education Dimitra Clubs have been discussing In the village of Gasseda, They observed that for any community. as drivers of development in their young girls and boys hurdle had to be overcome: the children be allowed to attend school, a major village children to successfully rose The clubs walk away. at the civil status office, a three-day must be registered to the challenge. a future to children in Gasseda in children to a future Niger After discussing the issue of registering After discussing the issue of registering Creativity, social mobilization and women’s leadership signs them and returns them to Hamsa, soto Hamsa, returns them them and signs where the administrative authority counter- tiandou, which then sends them to Kollo, riages and deaths) to the town hall of Dan- sends the various certificates (births, mar- of administrative issues. Each month, she contact point for the entire village for a range This is how Hamsa Maïkido became thebecame Maïkido Hamsa how is This supervision of Hamsa! of Gasseda, under the responsibility and for filling out the records to the village istry service decided to delegate power riages and deaths, the municipal civil reg- training in keeping records of births, mar- that Hamsa was literate and able to undergo Clubs’ women’s leaders. Having checked Having leaders. women’s Clubs’ and Hamsa Maïkido, one of the Dimitra delegation was made up of the village chief Dantiandou to explain the problem. The ter and sent a delegation to the mayor of ter and sent a delegation to the mayor births, the clubs decided to settle the mat- to settle the clubs decided the births, birth certificates - which is 95 km away. birth certificates - which is 95 km away. administrative authorities for validation ofvalidation for authorities administrative departmental capital of Kollo - seat of the pality Dantiandou, 13 km away, and to the pality Dantiandou, 13 km away, means going to the capital of the munici- In the case of Gasseda, for example, itIn the case of Gasseda, for example, status offices. separate many rural communities from civil This is mainly due to the long distanceslong the to due mainly is This that actually recorded in population registers. population in recorded actually minority of children living in rural areas areminority of children living in rural areas considerable national problem since only aconsiderable national problem since only the competent authorities. This poses athe competent authorities. This poses which the parents can only obtain from presentation birth certificate, of the child’s In Niger, school enrolment is subject to school In Niger, dimitra newsletter | 29 Rural womenpromotepeaceinBurundi: theexperienceofGorethNyabenda Ms asshownby the exampleof are tangible, by combating malnutrition. The results ness ofruralwomenonconflict prevention by UN-Women, hasbeenraisingtheaware- women’s rolesinpeacebuilding), funded la consolidationdepaix”, (Promoting tled “Promotiondurôledelafemmedans a result. Since 2014, the Programme enti- nificantly, withhungermaking itselffeltas Agricultural productionhasdeclinedsig- thecountry.unrest, whichisdestabilizing Burundi iscurrentlyundergoingapolitical built growing cages from briquettes, inside built growingcagesfrombriquettes,inside With thehelpofhisfamily, MartinTohou for producingfruitandvegetables. as awhole,transformingtheyardintoanarea the foodneedsofhischildrenandfamily to usethisspacemakebetterprovisionfor the courtyardnexttotheirhouse.Hedecided watched hischildrensweepingandweeding Niamey. Oncebackhome,MartinTohou It allbeganattheKnowledgeShareFairin support. are drawingonhisexpertisefortechnical working towardfoodsecurityinBenin nourrissante). Today, severalorganizations ‘nourishing familybackyard’(courfamiliale technique topromotewhathecallsthe durable à la base)– was inspired by this de rechercheetd’appuiàl’autopromotion Executive DirectorofNGOGRAAB(Groupe in Niamey, Nigerin2010,MartinTohou – participated in a Knowledge Share Fair, held Intrigued bymicro-gardensystemswhenhe In Benin,MartinTohou createsthe“nourishing familybackyard”frommicro-gardens 4 } Goreth Nyabenda. for the benefitof communities individual commitment stories, Life development insub-SaharanAfrica. These experiencesalsoshowtheimportanceofusingparticipatoryapproachesforsocio-economic can unleashlearningdynamicsthatwillchangelivesincommunities,Benin,DRCongoandBurundi. Three countries,threejourneys,onecommondenominator. Experienceswhichillustratehowsimpleevents of rural women in combating poverty, by seeks tochangetheperception oftherole women’s associations,this programme Ministry ofInternalAffairsand civilsociety programme. Jointlyimplemented withthe by herparticipationintheUN-Women’s prosperous. Thishasbeenmadepossible are harmoniousandherfamilyismore poverty. Today, relationswithherspouse with herhusbandandlivinginextreme conflict precarious situation,inconstant For severalyears,Gorethwasinavery households. households. hood malnutritioninthecountry’spoor food securityandwaysofcombatingchild this experience,insodoingpromoting idea is to ensure other families benefit from with weakpurchasingpower’project.The backyards for food security in households launched the‘Thousandandonenourishing Through hisNGOGRAAB,MrTohou has the helpofmyhusband,”addsMrs.Tohou. me morethan5000CFA perweek,without earn from thesurplusoffruitandvegetables to useverylittlewaterforirrigation.“Sales humidity for severaldays, making it possible soil vent the growth of weeds and maintain tion, thewoodshavingsusedincagespre family tohavearichandvarieddiet.Inaddi family backyard’enablestheentireTohou Today, whatMrTohou callsthe‘nourishing andfruittrees. all kindofvegetables these new cultivationareas, the family plants covering itwithstraworshavingsofwood.In which he placed a layer of chicken manure, - - - revenue fromsales ofproduceatlocalmar- production.Andthe in householdvegetable from theanimalledtoasignificant increase That provedaturningpoint.Use ofmanure simply receivedagoatfromthe programme. women’s associationsheisa memberof children suffered from malnutrition. The family waslivinginpovertyandhersix When Gorethjoinedtheprogramme,her can becomerealdriversofdevelopment. strengthening theircapacitiessothatthey h

©Fanou Martin Tohou [email protected] DirectorExecutive ofNGOGRAAB Fanou MartinTohou For moreinformation,contact: october 2016 { 5

For more information, contact: contact: information, more For Anne-Spès Nishimwe, of CAFOB National Coordinator Associations et (Collectif des de Burundi) ONG Féminines [email protected] For more information, contact: more information, contact: For Adeline Nsimire Master facilitator JFFLS [email protected]

h Accepted into the group together with hisAccepted into the group two brothers, Mali ya Mungu gradually developed skills in nutrition. The three brothers decided to set up a kitchen garden most ofthey spend their home. Today, at their time producing soya, amaranth, beans - and onions. In addition, sales of these prod which enables ucts bring in a little money, the youngest brother to go to school. often theregion, where nutrition is In this preserve of women, Mali ya Mungu stands out as an example. Not only has he improved but he has his diet and that of his family, also become a facilitator for a Dimitra Club, making his contribution in the area of health and nutrition. h - - -

anced diet, based exclusively on cassava fufu,anced diet, based exclusively on cassava with no vegetables all, he realized at all. Above that all he needed to ensure he never suffered from hunger again lay within easy reach. Mali ya Mungu had never seen a Junior Farmer Field and Life School and the group facilitator what a JFFLS was, explained to him there would and that on this particular day, be a session on growing amaranth and dis covering its nutritional benefits. He watched the entire session with great interest, espe ofcially the part about the nutritional value this vegetable, to table and was invited with the others when the meal was prepared. theAlthough he had only gone there with intention of eating, he left with a strong desire histo learn. This young boy understood that poor state result of an unbal of health was the Thinking that the group was going to organ- Thinking that the group ize a feast, he decided to follow them to share in the meal. Imagine his surprise when they reached their destination. tor in the municipality of Busiga, in the of Busiga, the municipality tor in mediators peace Ngozi. Today, province of provinces throughout the form a network the Asso- They join forces with of Burundi. Faveur en Actions des Promotion de ciation (Asso- et de l’Enfant - APAFE de la Femme of Actions for ciation for the Promotion to together working Children), and Women fight malnutrition.

©FAO/Giulio Napolitano Napolitano ©FAO/Giulio

UN-Women’s programme as a peace media- UN-Women’s In addition, Goreth has been selected by the In addition, Goreth has has enabled the family to regain its serenity. its serenity. the family to regain has enabled plots of land. This new economic prosperity This new economic plots of land. nity. She has now bought two cows and two two cows and She has now bought nity. became a role model for the whole commu- model for the whole became a role ing activity. In just a few months, her family In just ing activity. kets enabled Goreth to set up a poultry rear- up a poultry to set Goreth kets enabled of raw food, as well as plates and fuelwood. people walking towards a field carrying pots Several months ago, he saw a group of young school and took to begging. situation worsened. So Mali ya Mungu leftsituation worsened. So Mali ya Mungu ous financial situation. As time went on, theous financial situation. As time went on, - exacerbated this old lady’s already precari Kivu. The arrival of these three orphansthree these of arrival The Kivu. grandmother in the village of Ishaliro, South and his two brothers went to live with their After the death of his parents, Mali ya Mungu nutrition in the Dimitra Club of Ikoma. proved a driving force in the campaign onproved a driving force in the campaign and nutrition. The courage he showed has showed he courage The nutrition. and discover the effects of agriculture on health bled Mali ya Mungu, a 17-year-old orphan, tobled Mali ya Mungu, a 17-year-old orphan, - pects for youth. Participating in a JFFLS ena help to change this view, offering new pros- help to change this view, ior Farmer Field and Life Schools (JFFLS) can be unprofitable and only fit for the poor. Jun- be unprofitable fit for the poor. and only work in agriculture, which is widely held towork in agriculture, which is widely held In South Kivu, few young people want toIn South Kivu, few

Mali ya Mungu, a young Congolese man discovers the Junior Farmer Field discovers a young Congolese man Mali ya Mungu, Farmer the Junior and Life Schools In Benin, Martin Tohou creates the “nourishing family backyard” from micro-gardens creates the “nourishing In Benin, Martin Tohou dimitra newsletter | 29 formal education. formal education. andno capital as itrequireslittlestart-up represents one oftheeasiest and viablejobs, earn aliving.Inparticular, sellingstreetfood an informalbasis,becomestheonlywayto these people,self-employment,oftenon of educationandprofessionalskills.For minorities) that are penalized by the lack ized socialgroups(i.e.womenandethnic as quickly, tothedetrimentofmarginal- job facelabormarketthatdoesnotexpand a growingnumberofpeoplelookingfor income urban dwellers. On the other hand, food amongthegrowinglow-and-middle- easily accessibleready-to-eatandcheap living haveaccentuatedthedemandfor and thefasturban commuting distances ing effects.Ontheonehand,increased mainly duetourbanizationanditsensu- the last35yearsthroughoutcontinent, The sellingofstreetfoodhasproliferatedin 6 } food vendors in the region, with theexcep- “Bon appétit!” of herfoodandshewishes customersasweetFrench asthetaste that theimageofabusinessis asimportant brand andlogo.Likeanytrue entrepreneur, sheknows attended cookingclassesanddesignedhereye-catching and hertruepassion:pastries.Unabletofindajob,she souce, friedchickenandfish,jollofrice,banku,shito kiosk at8.Untilsunset,shesellstomatostew, rice,palava goes tothemarketbuyingredientsandopensher Comfort is27yearsold.Shewakesupat5inthemorning, Women account for the majority of street streetfoodtradeinAfrica over Women haveavirtualmonopoly Ghana for nutrition and food safety safety food and nutrition for livelihoods, as well as an economic opportunity for women. livelihoods, aswellaneconomicopportunityforwomen. acceptable, nutritiousandsafe,makingitabigchunkoftheurbanfoodsystemsforbetter Despite publicperceptions,streetfoodsoldinAccra,thecapitalofGhana,isfoundtobe traditional dutiesofhousekeeperswithincome-generatingjobstopayforfamilyneeds. sociocultural norms,sincelow-incomewomenandsinglemothersmustbalancetheir for morethan90%ofstreetfoodvendorsinthecountry. This centralroleisrootedin Street foodinAfricaiswomen’saffair. AccordingtoaFAO studyinGhana,womenaccount | Street food Ladies, entrepreneurs food vendorsforanaverageof8years,sug during thesurveyhavebeenworkingasstreet six daysaweek.Mostofthoseinterviewed time spent to buy and cook the ingredients, average of10hoursaday, notincludingthe consideration. Streetfoodvendorsworkan taken into microfinance companiesisrarely frombanksand prises, asborrowingcapital personal orfamilymoneytofundtheirenter education isrising.Almostallofthemrelyon old and,comparedtothepast,theirlevelof Most ofthemarebetween25and45years of allthestreetfoodvendorsatcountrylevel. that women account on average for over 90% survey in Accra, Ghana. The studyhighlighted FAO recentlycarriedout anextensivefield and sisters. members, inparticularyoungdaughters ment, and with thehelpof unpaid family ing skills,homekitchenandcookingequip- traditionalcook small amountsofcapital, operate theirbusinessenterpriseswith and food vending enables them to start restrict women’seconomicactivities.Street tion ofafewcountrieswhereculturalrules Comfort inher‘Food andPastries’ kiosk - - - thank youandasmile. to handitoveracustomerwith plastic fork and a paper napkin, ready rubber bandinwhichsheslipsasmall over-filled withfruits,securingita left. Shecarefullyclosesthecontainer cubes follow, allwashedwiththewater watermelon andapplecutinsmall polystyrene container. Mango, banana, it intosmallpiecesthatfallathin clump ofleaves,shepeelsitandcuts a pineapple and, holding the She takes bag (known in Ghana as “pure water”). with watergushingfromapolyethylene as gloves.Shewashesasharpknife 5. Shewearsplasticbagsonherhands sellingat the morningeverydaytostart of herjob,shesays,istogetupat2in onastreetcorner.stall Thehardestpart preparing ready-to-eatfruitsfroma two. Shehasspentthelastfouryears Esther is32yearsoldandamotherof

©FAO/Stefano Marras october 2016 { 7 Hamida is 32 years old and lives in Hamida is 32 years old and lives in Accra. A veil embroidered with blue and golden flowers covers her hair. Her menu includes local dishes: beef tuo zafi, wakey, rice, banku, jollof chicken fried shito, eggs, with stew and fish. She prepares everything at home and brings the food on the spot in shiny pans and coolers. She dishes out warm food with a large metal spoon, serving it in a small plate with sit at Customers recyclable cutlery. plastic tables under a large curtain. and sits she serving, not is she When talks to customers while nursing her sister 2 pm, her At old baby. years 2 takes the lead. Hamida wraps the baby in a shawl tied on her back and leaves, followed by her two older children. For more information, contact: more information, contact: For Stefano Marras [email protected] Mohamed AgBendesh [email protected] survey: further details on the FAO For http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5804e.pdf h ply), these women try to efficiently put the ply), these women try to efficiently put relying on into practice knowledge acquired the little means they have. ofIn Accra, as in many other urban areas bigAfrica, street food vendors represent a works chunk of the urban food systems. FAO improvetheir knowledge and to increase their practices, with the support of local infrastruc- better providing in authorities - ture. It aims at turning it into an opportu nity to improve nutrition and food safety, contribute to healthy diets and better health for city-dwellers, while providing income- generation opportunities for women.

- ©FAO/James Abugri ©FAO/James The study also highlighted that food street The study also highlighted that food street Nutritious and safe street food vendors can rely (such as clean water sup- to enhance the infrastructure on which public authorities have done little so far scrutiny of informed customers. Although are now more and more under the constant had an impact on vendors’ practices, as they on vendors’ practices, as had an impact storage. Public awareness campaigns also campaigns awareness Public storage. and safety standards, food handling, and improved vendors’ knowledge on hygiene hygiene on knowledge vendors’ improved laboration with FAO in the last years, have laboration with FAO trainings carried out by authorities in col- of street food vendors, combined with the acceptable. The rising levels of education foods are prepared in Accra are found to be and safety conditions under which street public perceptions, the overall hygienic controls by public authorities, and despite controls by public authorities, and despite Despite street food vendors are out of food of are out vendors food street Despite street food central in children nutrition. street food central in children nutrition. areas of the city and near schools, making areas of the city and near schools, making vendors tend to operate in poverty pocket vendors tend to operate in poverty pocket standing employment option. source of income, but can be also a long gesting that the sector is not only a temporary Street food Ladies, entrepreneurs entrepreneurs Ladies, food Street | for nutrition and food safety Ghana dimitra newsletter | 29 could practicehorticulture,insodoinghelp of familylandwithherhusband,sothatshe had to negotiate the donation of a 1.5 ha plot village chiefandthelocalmayor. three witnesses:theneighborhood chief,the agreement bytelephoneinthe presenceof Seybou Djammaandherhusband reachedan ing tosupportthehousehold.Afew dayslater, Dosso. Niger (Agricultural Bank of Niger), based in credit subsidizedbytheBanqueAgricoledu Cooperation –wouldallowhertoaccess given bytheLuxembourgDevelopment the RegionalCouncilofDossofromfunds Regional SupportFund–madeavailableby cast onthelocalradio,shelearnedthata of the entirefamily. Listening to a broad- had to assure the livelihoods and well-being than adecadeduringwhichtimeshehad untenable forSeybouDjamma,aftermore This highlyprecarioussituationbecame compensation. lizer appliedbythewomantenantwayof owner, who benefits from the organic ferti - winter period,theplotisreturnedto ofthe off-season. Afterwards,atthestart as toengageinhorticultureduringthe brother oranothervillagelandowner, so of landloanedtothembytheirhusband, tomary for women to work a small plot Boboye. Throughouttheregion,itiscus- inthedepartmentof not farfromKiota, Seybou livesinthevillageofKolgouZerma, children andtheland. hold, aloneinlookingafterthehouse,their Djamma found herself as head of house- exodus morethanfifteenyearsago,Seybou When herhusbandlefttojointherural 8 } In ordertohavearightthisloan,Seybou A life-changingdecision Niger Niger to farmland for women solutions can be found, as shown by the case of Seybou Djamma. solutions canbefound,asshownbythecaseofSeybouDjamma. which recognizetheirrighttoinheritproperty. Thesituation isverychallenging,but Cooperation Agency,veryfewwomenownland,despitetheexistenceofcustomarylaws obstacle toruraldevelopment.AccordingastudybytheLuxembourgDevelopment the biggestsourceofhouseholdrevenue.However, landaccessforwomenremainsamajor In theDossoregion,agricultureismaineconomicactivityforlocalcommunitiesand |

Land certificates guarantee access access guarantee certificates Land - access theRegionalSupportFund. in herlife:thiscertificatehasenabled herto milestone lage chief,markinganimportant pancy ofthelandinquestionfromvil- a certificate giving proof of customary occu- Following thisagreement,Seybouobtained peppers, auberginesandmoringa, soasto ning toincreasetheproduction ofonions, daughters-in-law. Together, theyareplan- able to count on help from her children and and cultivate her plotofland,shehas been good qualityseeds.Inallherworktodevelop two wellsandbuyingamotorpump protect itfromanimals,aswellsinking to closeoffhergardenwithwirenetting, Regional SupportFund–hasenabledher back 55%-45% being a subsidy from the The loan,ofwhichSeybouwillonlypay Collaboration fromthewholefamily certificate Seybou Djammawithherlanduse gives meacompleteguarantee”. This certificate,whichisrecognizedbyeveryone, husband neverreturnedafterleavingintheexodus. my childrenhaveagoodeducation,seeingthat for the weddings of my daughters and ensure that first ofalltomeettheneedsmyfamily, prepare from thesaleofmyhorticulturalproducts,Iplan themoneythatI’llearn deeply grateful:“With valuable contribution, for whichSeybouis earn up to 30 euros per week. This makesa h [email protected] Council ofDosso Technical AssistantofLuxDevtotheRegional Simbo Koly Keita For more information,contact:

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october 2016 ©WOUGNET Field Staff Field ©WOUGNET { 9 For more information, contact: For Susan Atim WOUGNET [email protected] Also, there is a need to engage in dialoguein engage to need a is there Also, with law and policy makers on the urgency to have gender specific policies and laws that give women equal ownership rights over land and livestock. Policy implementation frameworks should include mechanisms and follow up educate, support that identify, womenparticularly populations, affected on and children. h serious concerns about the state of food security in Northern and Eastern Uganda. recognizes the WOUGNET In particular, importance of closing the gender gap in agriculture and continues to emphasize the need to encourage women to participate in is primar- family farming. The organization ily engaged in supporting female led house- throughlevel, district at agriculture in holds its educational programmes. An example is in 2005 the project, initiated by WOUGNET access"Enhancing ongoing, on still and to agricultural information using Informa- tion and Communication Technologies aims toproject The in Apac District. (ICTs)” develop and improve information and com- toaccess easy enable to systems munication agricultural information, especially for rural women. Uganda and other countries at risk hun- to lead may that effects the reverse can ger by encouraging rural women in affected areas to participate in skills development projects run by government and non-government actors. Engaging women in family | Despite the potential of the agricultural sector, many regions of Uganda still suffer from many regions of the agricultural sector, Despite the potential is linked to climate change, unequal the serious problem of hunger As everywhere, hunger. One and poor policy implementation. illiteracy, attitude towards farming resource allocation, The and men to resources and markets. is also the uneven access of women of the root causes (WOUGNET) of Uganda Network Women have to play. shares its views on the key role women Uganda farming to eradicate hunger In the Northern and Eastern regions of Enhancing women’s participation zations, including WOUGNET, have raisedhave WOUGNET, including zations, Over the years, many development organi- tors that eventually lead to hunger. tors that eventually lead to hunger. ties and are much more exposed to risk fac- likely to earn a lot less from farming activi- farming from less lot a earn to likely holds, while female headed households are trated in the hands of male headed house- and access to markets are mainly concen- As a result, rights over productive resources productive over rights result, a As their father’s clan when they get married. iting land or livestock because they leave customary laws prevent women from inher- from land and cattle ownership. Unwritten land is accessible to all, only men benefit majority of food producers. However, while majority of food producers. However, stock rearing- women make up the vast Uganda - that predominantly rely on live- vicious cycle. to resources and markets would break this gender gap in agriculture in terms of access Yet, despite these difficulties, reducing the despite these difficulties, Yet, reduces their ability to purchase food. in an increase in food prices, which further a decline in food stocks for households and quence of climate change. This resulted in resulted This change. climate of quence - destructive weather events, as a conse production, low rains and increasingly This situation is due to poor agriculturalpoor to due is situation This try’s families record low food consumption. - acute malnutrition. Nearly half of the coun are not able to produce enough food to tackle Nevertheless, many regions in the countryNevertheless, many opment and eradicate hunger. opment and eradicate hunger. - encourage and promote the economic devel trade. The sector has the potential to sustain,trade. The sector has the potential employment, income generation and export determinant for food and nutrition security, nutrition security, for food and determinant for the vast majority of the households and afor the vast majority of the households and son, agriculture is a major source of incomeson, agriculture is a major 53% of country’s export revenue. For this rea- 53% of country’s export Land certificates guarantee access

| to farmland for women women for farmland to Niger dimitra newsletter | 29 f f help members generate additionalincome. such asforsmallprocessingmaterials can financial servicesislimited.Loans orgrants only optioninruralareaswhere accessto these savings and loan initiatives are the ing withformalfinancialinstitutions. Often credit rulesandregulationsbeforeengag- ownershipof the andtake understanding as “tontines”).Beneficiariesimprovetheir (such whereby membersprovidethecapital savings andcreditassociations rotating cooperatives, basedontheprinciplesof loan associationsandsavingscredit initiatives, suchasvillagesavingsand It promotescommunitysavingsandcredit management. mate changeandimproveagro-ecosystem products, reducedisasterrisks,adapttocli- and marketing livestock and agricultural ably, improvetheconservation,processing - term, managenaturalresourcessustain agricultural productionoverthelong It focusesonhelpingcommunitiesboost financial andsocial. consists ofthreedimensions:technical, economic andsocialroles.Thisapproach and increaserecognitionofwomen’s empower women’sassociationsandgroups In particular, theapproachseeksto their potential,buildingondiverseoptions. ports thesecommunitiestofullyexploit The “Caissesderésilience”approachsup- ing savingsandcreditassociations. - tions tosettingupsolidarityfundsorrotat – fromorganizingthemselvesintoassocia- egies to reduce risks and increase resilience developed theirownmechanismsandstrat- subsistence farmersandpastoralistshave and social environments in which they live, Despite thechallengingagro-ecological 10 } f f Financial dimension Technical dimension of ruralof people starts with women empowerment résilience: de Caisses the DemocraticRepublic ofCongo. Uganda, Guatemala,Honduras,CentralAfricanRepublic, Chad,Liberia,Malawi,Maliand capacities inthreeareas:social,technicalandfinancial. FAO implementsthisapproachin of women’sassociationsandfarmers’groupstoshockscrisesbydevelopingtheir “Caisses derésilience”isanintegratedapproachdesignedtostrengthentheresilience sify incomesources. businesses, increase production and diver- Participants saveregularly, invest in their f strengthen communityresilience. and marketaccess–allofwhichfurther including education,nutrition,leadership services, and advocateforcomplementary project, groups continue to come together Experience showsthataftertheendofa social, toaccesssavingsandloansystems. actually applygoodpractices,technicalor requestingthatmembers tional assistance, have decidedtosetupasystemofcondi- the Caissesderésilience,somegroups To of ensurethelong-termsustainability FAO intervention under this pillar (See box). approach is currently tested to structure violence, etc.TheuseoftheDimitraClubs tion, hygiene,reproductivehealth,literacy, address topicssuchasnutritioneduca- ences, and,dependingonthelocalcontext, discuss opportunities, share useful experi- Members facing similar challenges can displacements, food crisis or conflicts. lives aftertraumaticexperiencessuchas for communitiestryingtorebuildtheir communities. Itisparticularlyessential members onsolidaritywithinandamong ability, as is raising awareness among group - sion iscriticalforownershipandsustain Strengthening communities’socialcohe- literacy levelsand theregionhaslowest The communitieshavelowincomes, low crop pestsanddiseases,soil erosion, etc. floods, transboundaryanimal diseases, tors includingprolongeddry spells, flash with amultitudeofrisksdueto variousfac- f Social dimension In Central AfricanRepublic Examples inUgandaand Uganda, theKaramojaregionisfaced the population relies on agriculture, the the population reliesonagriculture,the of violenceinthecountry. As75percentof sive insecurity, displacementsandoutbreaks since 2013apoliticalcrisisthat ledtomas- Central AfricanRepublichasbeenfacing improve theirecosystems. involving thecommunitiesinactionsthat social dimensions while at the same time capacities inthetechnical,financialand risk managementbystrengtheningtheir vulnerable communitiesatthecentreof approach ofCaissesderésilienceput vulnerability toshocks.Theintegrated nomic opportunitiesandreducerisks It enabledcommunitiestoseizelocaleco- the Agro-PastoralFieldSchools(APFS). through to strengthenthelivelihood capital FAO Ugandausedalivelihoods approach To action, empowercommunitiestotake the country. economic indicatorscomparedtotherestof shocks. future the impact buffer of prepare to andbetter andnutrition security food improve livingto their conditions, enables households aspects all three dimension). (social Combiningnities within andamongcommu- solidarity strengthening cohesion social and dimension), creditwhile (financial opportunities, suchcial asaccess to dimension) andeconomicfinan (technical nable practices agricultural and knowledge.- sustai Itpromotes income sources,and diversify assets pastoralist communities accumulate and insecure smallholder farming “Caisses derésilience” helps food- -

october 2016 ©Anne-Klervi Cherriere ©Anne-Klervi { 11 at community level facilitates local coor- ensures of various initiatives and dination that the voices of rural communities, especially women and young people, are any and decision-making of heart the at actions undertaken. As a result of their network organization, and particularly through community radio stations, the clubs are also able to forge a link between groups supported by the Caisses de résilience, and projects operated by other development partners, as well as United Nations agencies, civil society and government services. The farmers’ group “Amakpam” in Yamboro, The farmers’ group “Amakpam” CAR, benefits from this approach Caisses de résilience and Dimitra Clubs Dimitra and résilience de Caisses Observing the complementarity between has begun these two approaches, FAO implementing activities that link Dimitra in (CdR) résilience de Caisses and Clubs DR Congo, and is planning to do the same in the Central African Republic. As well as being useful for strengthening community-based initiatives and social mobili- interesting an offer also clubs the zation, option for supporting activities under the social pillar of the CdR. The presence of the clubs enables more men and women receive for these to and be reached to greater benefits from interventions set and its development par- in place by FAO tners. Use of the clubs as an entry point For more information, contact: For Anne-Klervi Cherriere [email protected]

inside communities. and contributed to rebuild social cohesion to rebuild and contributed lage pharmacy, etc.) was highly appreciated etc.) was highly lage pharmacy, munity infrastructures (such as wells, vil- illustrated that the rehabilitation of com- skills in public speaking. The evaluation household decision-making and enhanced groups, stronger involvement of women in of women involvement stronger groups, farmer groups and synergies among farmer as well as better facilitation skills inside the improved saving capacity, self-confidence, self-confidence, improved saving capacity, agricultural techniques, increased yields, ciaries including: enhanced knowledge of knowledge enhanced including: ciaries h tation, showed positive impact on benefi- conducted after six months of implemen- tional NGOs. A first interim evaluation, agencies and 28 national and interna- national and agencies and 28 in partnership with five governmental prefectures of the country. FAO has worked has worked FAO prefectures of the country. the Caisses de résilience in 10 of the 16 the Caisses de résilience in 10 of the households, have received support from households, have received support from farmers groups, representing 45,000 farmers groups, representing 45,000 Throughout 2014-2016, almost 2,500 Throughout 2014-2016, almost 2,500 and livelihoods resilience. level, with a view to reinforce communityreinforce to view a with level, and governance structures at community agricultural techniques, financial capacities de résilience to enable families improve theirimprove families enable to résilience de FAO implemented a programme of Caisses implemented FAO nities and their already limited resources. nally, increasing pressure on host commu- nally, - both in neighbouring countries and inter quarter of the population was still displaced, the value chains. As of December 2015, athe value chains. As of December 2015, mantling their livelihoods and disruptingand livelihoods their mantling insecurity and farmers’ vulnerability, dis- vulnerability, farmers’ and insecurity crisis has exacerbated food and nutritioncrisis has exacerbated dimitra newsletter | 29 © Swagen “ President of the Republic of Mali, was the Moussa Traoré, whoatthetimewas countries concerned. by requestinglandfromtheleadersof tion inagriculturalactivitiesbackhome, ciation toenabletheireconomicreintegra- other Africanemigrants,hesetupanasso- was livingasanexpatriate.Together with It all beganin France, where my husband representative forruralwomeninMali? How did youbecomesuchanimportant What hasbeenyourcareerpath? 12 } making processes but theyseldom participateindecision- Women are alwaysinvitedtothemeetings From agriculture to politics to From agriculture FEDERATION OFRURAL WOMEN’SASSOCIATIONS OFMALI NIAKATE GOUNDOKAMISSOKO, CHAIROFTHENATIONAL for whomsheseesafuturerichinopportunities. Rural DevelopmentCommission.Shehasalwaysbeencommittedtoworkingwithruralwomen, andChairofthe of thePermanent AssemblyoftheChambersAgricultureMali(APCAM) Chair oftheNationalFederation ofRuralWomen’s Associations ofMali(FENAFER),amember her countrytogainaccessland.Deeplyengagedinlandissuessincethe1970s,sheisnow Niakate GoundoKamissoko’scareerreflectsthehistoryofstrugglemenandwomen ”

cally forwomen.Atthetime,therewerenine ask thecooperativeforlandthatwasspecifi- then webecameorganizedsothatcould working inthefields.Thatlasteduntil1985, selves alongsideourhusbandsinCAMS, And that is how we women also found our- land forfarming. (CAMS), towhichthegovernmentallocated cultural CooperativeofSomankidiCoura cooperative, theMultifunctionalAgri- request. Theassociationthenbecame a first togiveafavourableresponsethis

its chair. ofthenationaloffice,beforebecoming tary ning, Iwasnominatedadministrative secre- followed thewholeprocessfrom thebegin- Associations ofMalibegan.SinceIhad the NationalFederationofRuralWomen’s a nationalofficeinBamako.Thatishow associations throughoutthecountry, with was thereforedecidedtosetupwomen’s services,it from thecooperativeandstate During aseriesofmeetingbetweenwomen group yourselvestogether.” can helpyou,”hesaid,“butfirst,youmust ures. Hewasquicktogivearesponse:“I that hesetinplacemoreappropriatemeas- explain ourfrustrationtohimandrequest able tomeetthePresidentofRepublic, the well-being of their children. We were ensure thefoodsecurityofhouseholdsand to thecountry’sagriculture.Itistheywho Women makeanessentialcontribution women. We wereappalledbythisomission. it didn’tpaysufficientattentiontorural event, but unfortunately was an important In 2004,theNationalFarmers'DayinMali we wereabletoexploitthesethreehectares. and theFrenchDevelopmentCooperation, funding.WithsupportfromFAOto obtain to theFrenchDevelopmentCooperation tion programme,whichwethensubmitted port fromFAO- todevelop animplementa women. Sowelefttoaskfortechnicalsup- in KayestherewasaFAO projectforrural I thereforesettowork,ashadheardthat was notintheconditionstobeexploited. tofarm.Unfortunately,hectares thisland discussions, weeventuallyreceivedthree of uswomen,andfollowingagreatmany series portrait portrait october 2016 { 13 ucts and they sell them at the markets. They ucts and they sell them at the markets. They already have a huge range of skills. But they forward move to means the given be to need - and play their role to the full in the develop ment of Mali. What advice would you give to women and men who are readers of the Dimitra Newsletter? It is important to fight for the social and economic empowerment of rural women. And this is not just a battle for women. It’s a battle that needs to be waged by all, for all! When women are given the chance to play their role to the full, the whole community benefits. All women and all men should join hands to achieve this goal. ”

The battle for rural women’s empowerment is The battle for rural women’s not just about the women. It is a battle of all not just about the women. for all ! ©FAO /Swiatoslaw Wojtkowiak /Swiatoslaw ©FAO How do you see the future for rural women in your country? I am optimistic! In rural areas, there are women everywhere. They cultivate the land, they harvest and process agricultural prod- Did your family support you, especially when your role became more important? and I fought Even when I was elected Yes! my to defend the interests of rural women, supported and my family always husband me. And that gave me the courage to move forward. What are the main challenges currently facing rural women in Mali? is they encounter that difficulty first The certainly education. Most women working in rural areas are illiterate, and that poses obstacle real a This empowerment. their to constraint is closely linked to access to information, land, productive resources, markets and credit. That’s why we need to start with education, so that women can acquire the capacities needed for ensuring their of security food and livelihoods the households. “ I also fought to ensure access to drinking I also fought to ensure access to drinking water in many of the region’s villages.

there and back. We managed to change that. there and back. We children had to walk long distances to get was 15 kilometres away, which meant the which was 15 kilometres away, in the municipality where the nearest school children. Before that, there were some areas schools, to ensure proper teaching for all for teaching proper ensure to schools, I fought hard for the construction of new cial role in socio-economic development. municipality of Kayes from 2004 to 2009. represented and so as to bring out their cru- political engagement? in the council city the a delegate for was I and an education, so that they can be better Can you tell us about your to keep on fighting to give women a voice being considered equal to men. So we need social norms which prevent women from some rural regions of Mali, there are still making process. It is a cultural issue. In issue. cultural is a It process. making but they have little voice in the decision- always invited to meetings and conferences, invited to meetings and always representationinterests. They are of their between women’s participation and the and participation women’s between for each regional office. women in decision-making bodies? First of all, there needs to be a distinction office in Bamako, there are seven delegates office in Bamako, there are seven delegates to promote the representation of rural for the regional office. Lastly, at the national for the regional office. Lastly, What do you think needs to be done each city council nominates five delegates nominates five delegates city council each four delegates at city council level, and then four delegates at city council level, and then In turn, each municipal office nominates In turn, each municipal office nominates there are 16 women in each municipal office. there are 16 women in each municipal office. the interests of rural women in this country. the interests of rural since each municipality has four villages, tutional positions are crucial for defending tutional positions are has four delegates at municipal level. And ment Commission, and I believe these insti- ment Commission, and at national level? It works on a pyramid system. Each village (APCAM) and as Chair of the Rural Develop- (APCAM) and as Chair How is the federation organized bly of the Chambers of Agriculture of Mali bly of the Chambers also been elected to the Permanent Assem- also been elected to dialogue with the private sector. I have now sector. dialogue with the private and government, but also in advancing and government, but a major role in advocacy with institutions a major role in advocacy and livestock keeping. The federation plays and livestock keeping. the agricultural sector, including fisheries the agricultural sector, well as practical help for their activities in help for their well as practical rural women a network for exchanges, as a network for exchanges, rural women implemented byimplemented the federation? is to offer general objective The federation’s FENAFER? What activities have been What activities have FENAFER? What are the objectives of of are the objectives What portrait series From agricultureFrom to politics dimitra newsletter | 29 she belongsto. the othermembersofwomen’sgroup andmarketskills,justlike ing adaptation farm- acquired competenciesonvegetable working undertheRWEE, Sumitrahas in thelast6monthsbyFAO technicians on economicempowerment,conducted Thanks tothespecifictrainingsessions country. by the RWEEtargeted programme in the production, oneoftheruralassociations Women’s Group on commercial vegetable is anactivememberofthePachankanya wore VillageDevelopmentCommittee.She the villageofTallo Baraha,partofBhimesh- Sumitra Thapais47yearsoldandlivesin food security. bles, whichhasincreasedherincomeand - she isabletogrowagreatvarietyofvegeta maize inhersmallplotofland.Buttoday, traditional cerealcropslikerice,wheatand until January 2016 Sumitra was cultivating Like mostofthefarmersinarea,up 14 } ©FAO Vidhu Prakash Kayastha women's groups women's groups Nepal Nepal with outstandingresults.ThestoryofSumitraandhergroupisaprimeexample. a comprehensivecapacitydevelopmentprogrammeforruralwomen’seconomicempowerment Nepal. TheRWEE targetedtheexistingruralwomen’sassociationsinregiontoputplace on RuralWomen’s EconomicEmpowerment(RWEE), implementedin7countries,including their nutritionandlivelihoodsimproved.ThiswaspossiblethroughtheUNJointProgramme In thesmallvillageofTallo Baraha,inthemid-hillsofSindhuliDistrict,ruralwomenhaveseen |

The RWEE Programme supports harvest losses. use bio-pesticidesandminimizethe post- says. Today, sheisalsoawareoftheneedto markets suchasKathmandu”,Sumitra intimewithgoodpricesbig vegetables tothesaleof at locallevelwasanobstacle in theregion,“thelackofacollectioncenter Before thearrivalofRWEE programme abroad. her threesons–tocontinuetheirstudies ment inalocalcollege.Shealsowishes pursuing herbachelors’degreeinmanage- port theschoolingofherdaughterwhois This additionalincomeenabledhertosup- 200 US$morethanthepreviousyear. Nepalese Rupees(US$800),whichisabout in the local market, earning 80,000 etables chilies. She also managed to sell these veg- 800 kgofbottlegourdsand50green of brinjal(eggplants),800kgcucumbers, to growasmany60kgoftomatoes,50 Within aperiodof4months,shewasable children’s education Increased incomefor h from theprogramme. kitchen garden–havedirectlybenefited mercial farmingand1181householdsin households –with111incom- profit. Altogether,home substantial 1292 inMay2016bringingback cial vegetables sellingthecommer- farmers havestarted 57 women groups were formed. Women Livestock ServiceOffice(DLSO).Intotal, Development Office(DADO) andDistrict coordination withDistrictAgriculture groups in the region in January 2016, in RWEE trainingsessionsofwomen started ment ofthewholecommunity. ous effectsonfoodsecurityanddevelop- empowerment ofruralwomen,withobvi- proved tobekeythesocioeconomic andmarketskills farmingadaptation etable In theSindhuliDistrict,trainingonveg- and nationalpublicpolicymakingforum. in local as to increase their representation ing leadershipskillsofruralwomen,so The jointprogrammefocusedonbuild- rural women and their families”, she added. improving foodsecurityandnutritionof all thevillagershavebeensensitizedon “After the launching of RWEE project, community development Women’s empowermentfor [email protected] FAO Nepal Media andCommunicationOfficer Vidhu PrakashKayastha For more information,contact: Dimitra Clubs at European Development Days 2016

This year, the European Development Days (EDD) were convened in Brussels on 15-16 June 2016 under the theme “17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Action and Implementation”. The event offered a unique occasion to present the United Nations Joint Programme in Niger on Accelerating Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (RWEE) and to discuss why the Dimitra Clubs were chosen as an entry point for setting in place the activities in the country. These are initiatives that make a direct contribution to SDGs 1, 2 and 5.

The workshop titled “Gender and agri- Clubs as a mechanism for cultural entrepreneurship. Unlocking synergy creation women's full potential through agricultural The Dimitra Club approach is consid- empowerment” was conducted under the ered by the four United Nations agencies leadership of FAO, WFP and UN-Women, involved in RWEE (FAO, WFP, IFAD and together with the Technical Centre for Agri- UN-Women) as one of the most effective cultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and mechanisms for creating synergies between NGO Oxfam. The debate was facilitated by all stakeholders, enabling the communities Jean-Pierre Halkin, Head of Unit for Rural concerned to become involved in the design, Development, Food Security & Nutrition at implementation and coordination of activi- the European Commission (DEVCO), with ties in the field in a fully inclusive manner. the participation of Kawinzi Muiu, Director The clubs’ participatory communication of the WFP Gender Office in Rome, Hali- approach, based on sharing knowledge matou Moussa Idi, National Coordinator and experiences, as well as empowerment, in Niger for the joint United Nations Rural enables everyone – women and men – to be Women Economic Empowerment (UNJP informed, participate in the decision-mak- RWEE), Caroline Chelele, a farmer from ing process and take joint action for their Tanzania and winner of the Oxfam initiative own development. This process of collective Oxfam Female Food Heroes, and Dorienne awareness-raising and dialogue improves Rowan-Campbell, Chair of the Jamaica community governance and also fosters Organic Agriculture Movement and owner behaviour change in all sectors, including of Rowan's Royale Organic Farm. relationships between women and men.

RWEE in Niger The debate focused on the crucial role of rural women in the economic and social The European development of their communities. More Development Days precisely, discussions revolved around key Organized for the first time in 2006 questions, especially the choice of Dimitra by the European Commission, in recent Clubs as the entry point for the RWEE pro- years the European Development Days gramme in Niger. have become a flagship event for deve- This offered the opportunity for Halimatou lopment cooperation. Bringing toge- Moussa Idi, National Coordinator for the ther all the sector’s actors on an annual programme, to highlight the critical role basis, these days offer an international played by the Dimitra Clubs in implement- discussion forum, where participants ing RWEE activities in Niger, which have can share ideas and experiences, and benefited more than 25 000 people, two- inspire new partnerships and innovative thirds of them women. solutions to the planet’s most pressing challenges. Halimatou Moussa Idi © Eliane Najros National Coordinator RWEE in Niger h For more information on RWEE, contact: Halimatou Moussa Idi [email protected] { 15 © Sahadatou Saley dimitra newsletter | 29 16 } A participatorycooking demonstration Niger

Local solutions against malnutrition against solutions Local behaviour changes have been observed. behaviour changeshavebeenobserved. a participatoryapproach,withsupportfromtheDimitraClubs.Someinteresting sessions organizedbetween2015and2016byNGOKundjiFondo wereplannedusing has launchedaninitiativefornutritionaleducationintheDossoregion.Various As partofthejointRuralWomen EconomicEmpowerment(RWEE) programme,FAO from theNGO KundjiFondotookpartin and Tégoyzékoira. Localnutritionalexperts Yamba,Mallam Koira, Daytagui Kokoukou lages coveredbytheprogramme: Falwel, within theirrespectiveclubsin thefivevil organized discussionsonthe same themes Subsequently, leaders of theformedclubs gies betweenstakeholders. interventions andthedevelopmentofsyner- mechanism toensurelocalcoordinationof and inclusion.Theclubsserveasaunique local governanceintermsoftransparency the clubsareleadingtoastrengtheningof and thelevelofparticipationachievedby by thefouragencies.Accesstoinformation ofactivities coordinated implementation as theentrypointatcommunitylevelfor In Niger, Dimitra Clubs have been chosen development. in thecontextofsustainable and strengthentherightsofruralwomen WFP –seekstoimprovethelivelihoods ber 2012byFAO, UN-Women, IFAD and erment programme – launched in Novem- The jointRuralWomen EconomicEmpow- these five-daytrainingsessions. ing. Participatorymethodswerecentralto tices, such as hand washing and breastfeed- consequences, andonessentialgoodprac- cepts ofnutrition,malnutritionandtheir leaders. Thetrainingfocusedonbasiccon- to Dimitra(AEDL)and20Club ten trainersfromtheNGOthatisapartner In November2015,KundjiFondotrained bers shouldbechosenasbeneficiaries. tion, it wasnatural that Dimitra Club mem- to organizesessionsonnutritionaleduca- United AgainstMalnutrition)wasselected When localNGOKundjiFondo(Women improving nutritionthrougheducation. FAO offersacontribution toRWEE isby One ofthecomponentsthroughwhich participatory manner nutritionina Improving - practices andbudgetingforfood. sification indiets;essentialgoodhousehold and pregnantwomen;breastfeeding;diver regarding childrenagedfrom0to2years critical nutritionalconcepts,especiallythose Clubs exploredissueslinkedtonutrition: tion shared.Overfivemonths,theDimitra discussions toensurethequalityofinforma bage leavesetc. andseasonedwithoil. with greencassava, cowpea,squash,cab- soned withgabou;milletcouscous served served withcowpeasandsquash andsea- (powdered driedonion);millet couscous groundnut pasteseasoned with gabou a sauceofdriedbaobableaves, servedwith carbohydrates andfats):milletpastewith combining thethreefoodgroups(proteins, pared threebalancedandvariedrecipes, held atalltheclubs,wherememberspre- Participatory cookingdemonstrationswere and processingvoandzouintoloubatou). kaina tobaye,dungourimassaandkékéna gabda, motolbali,dungouridambou,bouki voandzou (making cowpeas into béroua, women, inwaysofprocessingcowpeasand the knowledgeofclubmembers,especially food productswerealsoexplored,using oil drums.Processingmethodsforcertain bags (triplebagging),orinemptyvegetable ing cowpeasorvoandzouinsealedplastic members identifiedtwosolutions:conserv- foods andknownmethodsofconservation, On the basis of a seasonal calendar of local varied andbalanceddietatalltimes. that wouldenablethemtohaveahealthy, As aresult,theybeganthinkingofsolutions of thesefoodproductsthroughouttheyear. challenges theyfaceduetopooravailability locally availableandbecameawareofthe identified nutritionalingredientsthatwere Local solutions During these discussions, club members - - october 2016 - { 17 For more information, contact: For [email protected] Solange Heise [email protected] Information beyond the village Information emerge to result interesting one Lastly, from the survey concerns the sharing of new concerns the sharing from the survey who took All club members knowledge. passed on sessions said they had part in the least one person who the information to at - Accord discussions. the at present not was questioned, the infor- ing to some of those education travelled mation on nutritional reaching some beyond the villages involved, network This ones. neighbouring of the communication ing through interpersonal is crucial in order to and community radios as possible and pro- reach as many people for interventions, duce a multiplier effect areas. especially in isolated h Behaviour changes in clubs Behaviour and households girls inter- of women and The majority viewed said they had acquired new knowl- they had acquired viewed said particularly issue of nutrition, edge on the from 0 to 2 years and that of children aged men and boys, the pregnant women. For terms of information gains were more in acquired about certain practices household a mosquito under (hand washing, sleeping undertook awareness- net). The clubs also cooking dem- raising initiatives through of village the in example, For onstrations. club Hallassay women’s Daytagui Yamba, enriched with mil- members prepared pap 6 months and older in let for children aged front of the entire village. They also raised community awareness of the importance six of exclusive breastfeeding for the first months and of supplementary feeding to for children from six months onwards, ensure healthy growth. According to the survey results, members have changed their household dietary prac- adding new ingredients to produce tices, varied dishes that contain the three food fats), and carbohydrates (proteins, groups together with vitamins.

Ibrahim Seybou and Mariama Ousseini during the survey. Ibrahim Seybou and Mariama Ousseini during the survey. Mariama passed of the Dimitra Club in Falwel, Facilitator The Dimitra team honors away last August, too early. her enthusiastic work in supporting the clubs and rural communities. © Christiane Monsieur Monsieur Christiane © Almost all Dimitra Club members Almost all Dimitra Club spoke during the discussions project carried In May 2016, the Dimitra process. freely and take the development part in make themselves heard, express themselves make themselves heard, express themselves enabling all members of the community to enabling all members of the community effective spaces for dialogue and action, effective spaces for dialogue and action, These results confirm that the clubs offer These results confirm that the clubs offer the subject. strong level of participation and interest in strong level of participation and interest training sessions on nutrition, showing a training sessions on nutrition, showing almost all the members spoke during the almost all the members spoke during in which they were discussed. In addition, in which they were discussed. In addition, ciation of the themes handled and the way ciation of the themes handled and the way - The results revealed a high level of appre from the 5 villages were interviewed. from the 5 villages were tiative. A totaltiative. members Club 125 Dimitra of ticipation in this nutritional education ini- ticipation in this nutritional out a survey to evaluate the quality of par- out a survey to evaluate squash and oil. and purée of husked cowpeas served with and purée of husked of cowpeas served with squash and oil, served with squash of cowpeas cowpeas, squash or moringa powder; purée or moringa powder; cowpeas, squash pap enriched with millet, groundnuts or with millet, groundnuts pap enriched and older were identified by participants: were identified by and older Three other recipes for children of 6 months recipes for children Three other dimitra newsletter | 29 ance oflandtenure. guidelinesongovern- gies andvoluntary information andcommunicationtechnolo- resilience, nutrition,youthemployment, working onvariousissues,suchas brought togetherFAO partners Dakar onMay10and112016,which during a workshop, organized in The methodologywastested cycle). gram ofcapitalization ending withadoption(seedia- preparation toimplementation, from ofcapitalization, and stages The module setsoutall the phases of goodpracticesin development. a methodologyforthecapitalization oped alearningmodule,whichoffers FAO-Belgium partnership, hasdevel- and Genderprogramme,rununderthe The teamfortheKnowledgeManagement order tobringaboutchange. which isthensharedanddeveloped,in and documented.Itgeneratesknowledge, through whichanexperienceisanalyzed tematic, iterativeandparticipatoryprocess, of experiences is a sys- The capitalization 18 } tinuous learning and improvement. tinuous learning andimprovement. practice incorporatesaprocess ofcon- or scaling up. As such, a promising replication tosupportwideradoption does notyethaveenoughresearch or to becomeagoodpractice.However, it A promisingpracticehasthepotential positive impactoveraperiodoftime. isavailable todemonstrateits data same setting.Inaddition,quantitative for replicationofthepracticeinthis unique setting.Thereisapossibility strated a high degree of success, in a A promisingpracticehasdemon- For abetter use ofpractices tested forthefirsttimeinDakar, inMay2016. for capitalization,anditssystematicintegrationintodevelopmentinitiatives.Thismethodologywas has capitalizedon… good practices.Following successfulexperiencesinNigerandBurkinaFaso, theprogrammeteam partnership, hasmadeeffortstostrengthenthecapacitiesofFAO anditspartnersincapitalizingon Since 2009,theKnowledgeManagementandGenderprogramme,rununderFAO-Belgium capitalization, developing a learning module that offers a practical methodology capitalization, developingalearningmodulethatofferspracticalmethodology Subsequently, thetrainingteamclarified devil’s advocateordefendingcapitalization. made acontribution,mainlybyplaying Participants –bothmenandwomeneach ple canadoptit. shared sothatagreaternumber ofpeo- has beenrepeatedanddeserves tobe validated, inthebroadsense, which experience, whichhasbeentested and mended asamodel.Itissuccessful good results,andisthereforerecom- been proventoworkwellandproduce that isgood,butapracticehas A goodpracticeisnotjusta as topromotemutuallearning. menting anddisseminatingexperiences,so ofdocu- participants throughoutthestages team willthereforecontinuetosupport could becomegoodpractices.Thatiswhy ficult toidentifypromisingpracticesthat it is dif- Without systematic capitalization, information. on thephaseofcollectingknowledgeand tices, enablingtheworkshoptoembark a seriesofconceptslinkedtogoodprac- h h key personsidentified.Theprogramme it is important toequiponeselfwiththe it isimportant http://www.imarkgroup.org/index_en.html http://www.fao.org/elearning/#/elc/en/home of FAO andIMARK: The onlinecourseisavailableonthewebsites [email protected] [email protected] For more information,contact: practices must be programmed and means to capitalize from the start of from the start means to capitalize ever, ofgood thedocumentation a project,usingthe resources avail- work linkedtotheirtheme.How- able. Thisiswhatemergesfrom and wellpreparedtopursuethe the learningmodule. Everyone said they were ready method forputtingitinplace. The participants declared that cess andthattheywelcomedthe they had learned a great deal about the capitalization pro- about thecapitalization

october 2016 © Yannick De Mol De Yannick © { 19{ 19 For more information, contact: For De Mol Yannick [email protected] h The second session was given over to The second session was given over preparing and recording a live club radio broadcast, with instructions to pay special two principles highlighted attention to the Listening to these pro- the previous day. - grammes allow trainers to deal with techni cal issues and discuss content. The third session explored relations between the clubs and radio stations, ena- team to reiterate the need for bling the FAO clubs to engage with the stations that they special mes- have themselves chosen. The sage to the radio stations was that the clubs not of an are products of the community, project – a factor that offers opportuni- FAO ties to the radios. Before the final evaluation, a session was held on reinvesting in training, so as to ensure the sharing of knowledge, as well as effective implementation of collaboration with radio stations. Gender and participation an offered session training first The opportunity to clarify the clubs’ core principles, which should also guide the produc- principles that tion of radio broadcasts. Two are crucial for any collaboration with radio stations were explored in greater depth: Par- participation. community and gender ticipants then carried out a ‘gender-based’ review of the media, so as to develop a basic understanding of the concept of gender. The issue of participation was central to exercises on participatory broadcast types/ formats that can be used in rural areas, in order to promote maximum community involvement. to encourage the forging of partnerships to encourage the forging of partnerships between local radio stations and Dimitra Clubs. on Based on a flexible approach that focuses using practical exercises, the methodology to for this training initiative was developed respond to the needs of radio stations and time. of period a short over Clubs Dimitra This type of training is now systematically organized as part of projects that include the Dimitra Clubs, but on each occasion it is adapted according to the context. - - Bolstering collaboration between |

Conducted in May 2016 in Walungu (Sud-Kivu), FAO’s “Radios and Dimitra Clubs” training session Clubs” training “Radios and Dimitra FAO’s (Sud-Kivu), in May 2016 in Walungu Conducted are to produce programmes that the capacity of community radio stations sought to improve the links between clubs and radio stations.gender sensitive, and to strengthen participatory and this type of training is now systematically principles of the Dimitra approach, Based on the core Clubs. of projects that include the Dimitra organized as part

the Dimitra Clubs and community radio stations stations radio community and Clubs Dimitra the DRCongo patory and gender sensitive broadcasts, and about it for the first time. and other participants in producing partici- for a number of years). Others were hearing staff of radio the capacities strengthen to radio stations had been working together The training sessions have a dual objective: Dimitra Clubs approach (club members and profiles. Some were very familiar with the Radio Mutanga. Participants had varied Bobandana, Radio Apide, Vision Shala and Messager du Peuple, Radio Luhwinja, Radio Umoja FM, Radio Mulangane, Radio Le representatives and the following radio sta Radio Mitumba, Radio Bubusa, Radio tions: community needs and perspectives. together club members, government service mission of local development, based on bringing Samwaki and facilitated by FAO, enabling them to better accomplish their The “Radios and Dimitra Clubs” training ini tiative for Sud-Kivu was organized by NGO are natural partners for local radio stations, gender sensitive approach, Dimitra Clubs gender sensitive approach, Dimitra Clubs communities. Given their participatory and participatory their Given communities. ideas, but also to reach surrounding rural ideas, but also to reach surrounding rural enabling them to share experiences and enabling them to share experiences and key role in the networking of Dimitra Clubs, key role in the networking of Dimitra Clubs, Africa, especially in rural areas, radio plays a Africa, especially in rural areas, radio plays The primary media channel in sub-Saharan channel in primary media The Bulletin Dimitra dimitra newsletter | 29 entry point for activities and the main tool entry pointforactivities andthemaintool empowerment. TheDimitraClubsarethe food security, whileadvancingwomen’s aims toreduceruralpovertyand improve cultural advisoryservice(SNV), thisproject FAO, withsupportfromthenationalagri - outskirts ofKinshasa.Implemented by (RWEAP), waslaunchedrecently onthe Empowerment inAgricultureProgramme” A newprojectcalled“RuralWomen’s CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICOF practices anddevelopacommonvision. level, toexchangestrategies,identifybest young leaders,atvillageandmunicipal meetings wereplannedbetweenallthe their respectiveclubs.Inaddition,regular young leadersdevelopedaplanofactionfor Zinder). Attheendofsessions, 4 regions(Dosso,Tillabéry, Tahoua and of FAO-Dimitra –in18municipalities of AEDL andNGOAPEBA–localpartners Dimitra ClubswerecarriedoutbyNGO Training sessionsforyoungleadersof Training for young 200 leaders see page16. cipality ofFalwel.Formoreinformation, RWEE programmein5villagesofthemuni- the nutritioncomponentofFAO withinthe evaluate theparticipatoryapproachusedin In May2016,afieldsurveywasconductedto Survey in thecelebrations. Prefect andtheentirecommunitytookpart the GovernorofregionDosso, Livestock, theactingMinisterofAgriculture, Children, togetherwiththeMinisterof Promotion ofWomen andProtectionof (RWEE) programme.TheMinisterforthe Rural Women EconomicEmpowerment beneficiaries ofthejointUnitedNations cooking contestfor5villagesthatare Day ofRuralWomen, FAO organizeda On 15October, aspartoftheInternational International Day Rural of Women NIGER 20 } 20 } Dimitra Clubs in Brief Katanga area,theadvisorto theProvincial Katanga theChief ofthe club representatives, 2016. Taking partintheeventwere tookplaceinLikasiAugust Katanga Clubs inKapolowe,Kasumbalesa and workshopfortheDimitra A revitalization Katanga other localfacilitators. andtraining for assistance these canobtain technical supportofficefortheclubs,where trained duringtheproject,havesetupa who areexternaltotheclubs,andwere but themomentumcontinues.Facilitators issues). Thesupportactivitieshaveended, poverty,tackle genderand foodsecurity (Listeners’Clubsto sécurité alimentaire” d’écoute, luttecontrelapauvreté,genreet were setupaspartoftheproject“Clubs This provincehas105DimitraClubs,which Tshopo have recentlybeenlaunchedinKinshasa. same programme,around20moreclubs been setupspontaneously. Aspartofthe originally planned.Morethan50clubshave 70 ofthem,comparedwiththe20orso foremost isthefactthattherearealready launched barelyoneyearago.Firstand achieved byDimitraClubs,whichwere helped todocumentanumberofresults based violence(GBV).Thesemissions CONGO, whichseekstoreducegender- implemented byFAO, GIZandCARITAS by theEuropeanUnionandUNICEF let’s moveforwardtogether),co-funded progressons ensemble”(Women andmen, of theprogramme“Femmesethommes, placeaspart Several missionshavetaken Bandundu (AVEC) approach. the villagesavingsandcreditassociation strengthen resilience,inparticularthrough Other activitieswillbecarriedoutto lowing initialtrainingheldinSeptember. Seven clubshavealreadybeensetup,fol- aquaculture. and nities, especiallyintheareasofhorticulture for strengtheningthecapacitiesofcommu- South Kivu South Clubs werelaunched. attracting newmembers.Two newDimitra among clubsinprogrammingactivitiesand authorities, stimulatingfreshenthusiasm the presenceofamissionFAO andvarious Feedback sessionswereheldinSeptember encountered. accomplished andthechallenges Each clubpresentedtheachievements Gender, FamilyandChildren. Children andthedepartmentheadof the CommissionofGender, Familyand Minister ofAgriculture,theadvisorto communication. features, suchas gender, participation and on theDimitraClubsapproach anditskey Climate Resilienceproject’sstakeholders was toinformandraiseawareness ofthe 31st Octoberto2ndNovember. Itsaim shop wasorganizedinTambacounda from A DimitraClubsRegionalLaunchWork strengthen womenandyouth’sleadership.” empowerment, networkingandthey efficiency (…).Theyimprovepeople's declared: “DimitraClubshaveshowntheir Patrick David.Onthisoccasion,MrDavid Dr DogoSeckandtheFAO Representative, Ministry ofAgricultureandruralequipment, forthe presence oftheSecretary-General cially launchedattheendofOctoberin The “ClimateResilience"projectwasoffi- Clubs Dimitra the of Launch SENEGAL areas ofKabare,Walungu andKalehe. from theexistingones–weresetupin and105newclubs–separate revitalized South Kivu),13existingDimitraClubswere for women,menandyouthinruralareasof communication andsocialmobilization poverty throughinformation,participatory milieu ruralauSouth-Kivu”(Reducing les femmes,hommesetjeunesen participative etlamobilisationsocialepour rurale parl’information,lacommunication As partoftheproject“Réduirelapauvreté - october 2016 - - - - - { 21 http://www.fao.org/dimitra/dimitra-clubs/en http://www.fao.org/dimitra/dimitra-clubs/en To watch the videos: watch To Clubs in Bangui brought together repre the European Union sentatives from FAO, Fund and Recovery and Peace (Békou Trust Repub African Central in the Consolidation UNAIDS, Food Secu UNFPA, lic), UNICEF, rity Cluster and Inter Cluster coordination OCHA, services of the Ministry of Agricul partner NGOs. ture and Livestock and FAO As in the other countries, two videos about the clubs served as a basis for discussions. The exchanges focused on implementation of the Dimitra Clubs in CAR, and especially on the relevance of the approach in the areas of social cohesion and gender. ing water in their village, which was in a verying water in their village, poor condition. issues of hygieneIn a second village, Idiofa, clubs, which decidedwere also addressed by basins in front of theto build 315 hand-wash latrines. A total of 315 households have ben- system of hand- efited from this ingenious are fed by a 3-litre tankwash basins, which made from Chi- with a hole in the bottom, club members 115 the bamboo. Each of nese thecontributed 1 000 CF ($1) to purchase materials needed to build the basins. A local assessment revealed a 4% decline in diseases spread by dirty hands after two months. byIn the village of Ikialala, problems caused the distant health centre (15 location of the km, requiring a 3-4 hour journey on foot), especially for prenatal was the topic visits, taketo decided which discussions, club of smalla constructed They hand. in matters building with three separate rooms to use - as a health centre. This received authoriza tion from the health services, which agreed to assign a nurse to it. The appointed person receives a government allowance, while mainly living off earnings from the centre toand payments from patients, according their possibilities. Using proceeds from collectivethe in grown produce of sales field, the clubs have purchased essential medicines, on the advice of the local doctor. Twenty five families accepted the offer and the accepted five families Twenty 000 CF earned 125 built. This were the toilets they used for the clubs, which (about $125) field. The for their collective to buy seeds proceeds of good, and with the harvest was to make bought sand and cement sales, they of drink to a natural source improvements - -

In August, it was the turn of the Central African Republic. The Spotlight on Dimitra In Senegal, the “Spotlight on Dimitra Clubs” in June 2016. The Dimi took place in Dakar, tra Club approach was presented to staff and other partners (ministries and from FAO United Nations). The discussions revealed strong interest on the part of a number of par ticipants, particularly the representative from and WFP, colleagues from UN Women WHO, and the ministries in attendance. In Senegal, 400 clubs will be set up in the coming years in the scope of the 'Climate Resilience' project. with a variety of themes, such as food climate agricultural production, security, change, health, education and women’s economic empowerment”, he observed. Today, there are more than 70 Dimitra Clubs Today, operating in the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu, set up as part of the programme - “Femmes et hommes, progressons ensem and men, let’s move forward ble” (Women gender- reducing of aim the with together), based violence. - A number of these clubs have found inter esting solutions for diseases spread by dirty hands. The first initiative was set in place by Dimitra Club members from the village - of Carrefour (Kikwit). They linked the inci dence of diseases spread by dirty hands with the problem, address the lack of toilets. To they decided to build toilets for families ofwithout one, for the modest average sum 5 000 Congolese francs (about US$5). The village assembly of clubs in Wakazoua of clubs in Wakazoua The village assembly the examined Tahoua, region of the Darai, in in the community. theme of early marriages their arguments andClub members voiced end of the assembly, suggestions. At the villagethe by chaired committee, village the binding measureschief, decided to introduce their daughters tofor any families allowing of 17, with a fine of 100marry before the age in the event of contravention. 000 CFA heart of collective the at Health decision-making Also in Niger, the Clubs help to prevent prevent to help Clubs the Niger, in Also early marriages

Dimitra inaction Clubs

The FAO Representative for Niger high- The FAO importantthe lighted clubs role played by in rural development: “The Dimitra Clubs are suited to rural areas because they deal The first “Spotlight” took place in Niger, The first “Spotlight” took place in Niger, in May 2016, in the presence of more than 60 participants, including club leaders – women and men – local authority officials, traditional chiefs and representatives from agencies. development Government and the Meetings/testimonials entitled “Spotlight on threein recently held were Dimitra Clubs” countries, in order to present the Dimitra screenedwere videos Two approach. Clubs’ on the results and impact of clubs in Niger (see below), serving as a starting and DRC point for discussions among participants. Results of Dimitra Clubs in the spotlight in Niger, Senegal and CAR CAR and Senegal Niger, in spotlight the in Clubs of Dimitra Results these young rural people. these young rural people. incentive and a source of great pride to to incentive and a source of great pride share experiences, is proving a powerful share experiences, is proving a powerful in parallel with radio broadcasts to to in parallel with radio broadcasts The networking, which is being organized organized which is being The networking, their respective ideas and achievements. their respective ideas and achievements. messages) to exchange information on on information exchange to messages) (transferring photos, text, videos and voice (transferring photos, text, videos and voice opportunities offered by this type of app opportunities offered by this type of app The idea is to takeadvantage of the different villages, using WhatsApp. different villages, using WhatsApp. to share experiences between clubs from to share experiences between clubs from young people have launched a network young people have launched a network In the village of Falwel, Dimitra Clubs for Falwel, Dimitra Clubs for the village of In farmers saved their harvest. applications such as WhatsApp, the village of pest. Thanks to the mobile phone and to apply the treatment needed for this typethe treatment needed to apply making a rapid response by sending a team Valuable time was saved, with the official Valuable send messages and files via the Internet. the via files and messages send enables users to make telephone calls andenables users to make used a mobile phone and WhatsApp, whichused a mobile phone in charge of agriculture. To do this, they do this, To in charge of agriculture. photos of the pests to the municipal officialphotos of the pests to in their Dimitra Clubs, members sentClubs, in their Dimitra millet fields. After discussing the problemmillet fields. After villagers have discovered insects in theirvillagers have discovered in Niger Niger in the region of Dosso,In Mallam Koïra, in technologies support collective action Information and communication FAO Publications

f Addressing Women's Work Burden: Key issues, promising solutions and way forward This factsheet discusses women's triple work burden in the household, as producers and at community level. It introduces labour saving technologies, practices and services as potential solutions and describes constraints women may face. FAO, 2016 http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5586e.pdf f Strengthening Coherence between Agriculture and Social Protection to Combat Poverty and Hunger in Africa: Framework for Analysis and Action This document presents a Framework for Analysis and Action with the purpose of exploring benefits to be derived from greater coherence between agriculture and social protection. From concrete country experiences, the Framework identifies the options available for achieving this, through policy and programming. FAO, 2016 http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5386e.pdf f Adopting a Territorial Approach to Food Security and Nutrition Policy Around 800 million people in the world remain food insecure. Three-quarters of them

lack adequate infrastructure and basic services © Christiane Monsieur and are more vulnerable to adverse climatic conditions. Continued population growth brings added pressure to these challenges and, through migration and urbanisation, food insecurity may also become an increasingly urban problem. f Promoting the Leadership of Women in Producers’ f Gender Mainstreaming as a Key Strategy for FAO, OECD, UNCDF, 2016 Organizations. Building Resilient Livelihoods http://www.fao.org/3/a-bl336e.pdf Lessons from the experiences of FAO and IFAD This brief presents gender mainstreaming as This paper explores aspects of promoting a key strategy for increasing the resilience of both f Restoring Africa's landscapes – the way forward: rural women’s leadership in producers’ men and women’s livelihoods in the face of crises. Report of the Great Green Wall Conference organizations (POs). Women’s leadership, It explores the gender dimensions of natural and The first International conference of the Great especially in POs, is essential for increasing human-induced disasters and demonstrates how Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative was the production of smallholder agriculture, as FAO contributes to empowering women as agents attended by a wide range of participants in land women make massive contributions to the of resilience building. restoration practice. Discussions focused on what sector. FAO, 2016 needs to be done at the level of resource mobili- FAO, 2015 http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5631e.pdf zation, communication, project development and http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5696e.pdf collaboration amongst different stakeholders. f A Gender-responsive Approach to Climate- FAO, 2016 f Qualitative research on women's economic Smart Agriculture: Evidence and guidance for http://forestry.fao.msgfocus.com/files/amf_fao/ empowerment and social protection: a research practitioners project_59/inFO_news_41/FINAL_REPORT_ guide Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture DAKAR_GGWSSI_CONFERENCE.pdf This guide will be used for conducting quali- (GACSA) Practice Briefs provide operational infor- tative research through FAO’s Social Protection mation on climate-smart agricultural practices. and Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment Taking a gender-responsive approach to Climate- f Core Set of Gender Indicators in Agriculture research programme. It describes the sequencing, Smart Agriculture (CSA) means that the particular Developed in response to data needs identi- timing and methodology of the research process, needs and priorities of men and women are reco- fied by member countries, this set of 18 indicators including training, fieldwork preparation and gnized and adequately addressed in the design provides guidance on the collection and analysis roadmap, key hypotheses, guiding questions and and application of CSA. of sex-disaggregated and gender-sensitive data in research tools. FAO, 2016 agriculture and rural areas. FAO, 2015 http://www.fao.org/3/a-be879e.pdf FAO, 2016 http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4420e.pdf http://www.fao.org/3/a-bb172e.pdf

22 } october 2016 - { 23

Reducing rural women’s domestic workload Reducing through labour-saving technologies and practices toolkit economic empowerment. Women’s Navigating enablers and constraints The Cost of the Gender Gap in AgriculturalThe Cost of the Gender Gap Uganda Productivity – Malawi, Tanzania, Leaving no one behind: a critical path for the first a critical path no one behind: Leaving Goals Development of the Sustainable 1,000 days Labour-saving technologies and practicesand technologies Labour-saving 2016 IFAD, https://www.ifad.org/topic/gender/overview/tags/ knowledge_notes details how gender equality, This report Overseas Development Institute, 2016 https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/ resource-documents/10683.pdf Leaving no one behind is the moral issueone behind is the moral Leaving no concludes that early action is criti- The report 2016 Overseas Development Institute, https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/ resource-documents/10692.pdf of the agricul- form a large proportion Women Bank, 2015 World UNEP, UNDP, UN Women, http://www2.unwomen.org/~/media/head- quarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2015/costing%20gender%20gap_launch. pdf?v=1&d=20151015T142608 promote inclusive development thepromote by reducing domestic workload time of rural women. The free tasks gained can be used to perform productive and participate in decision-making processes and development new toolkit opportunities. This focuses on methods that can help rural women their workload and enable rural transfor reduce mation. poverty eradication and human development investment in women’s increased econo- require mic empowerment. together new and It brings building a set of core existing evidence to propose women'sof eco- process complex the for blocks identifies 10 nomic empowerment. report This enable or constrain women’sthat can factors key - economic empowerment, make recommenda and tions for policy and practice for each. of our age, and is at the heart of an ambitious and is at the heart of of our age, Development action: the Sustainable blueprint for Now the focus is on implementationGoals (SDGs). that govern outlines the actions and this report - of the SDGs in the first 1,000 days ments can take to what poor people want and to deliver to respond people and groups. for the most marginalised cal for the achievement of the SDGs. in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, tural labour force inequalities in access to and control gender-based inhibit agri- resources and financial of productive This food security. reduce and cultural productivity costs of the gen- measuring the economic report, African countries three in der gap in agriculture further and Uganda - provides - Malawi, Tanzania plays agap gender the reducing that evidence role in povertyreduction and improved significant nutrition. f f f f

Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2016. Report Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2016. Report Group on the 2030 Agenda for of the Reflection Sustainable Development Reflection Group on the 2030 Agenda for Sustain- Reflection able Development, 2016 https://neu.globalpolicy.org/sites/default/ files/contentpix/spotlight/pdfs/Agenda2030_ engl_160708_WEB.pdf The Reflection Group on the 2030 Agenda for Agenda 2030 the on Group Reflection The Sustainable Development,together with other civil society organizations and networks, has produced Report assessing the the first annual Spotlight implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the struc- aputs report The realization. its in obstacles tural spotlight on the fulfillment of the 17 goals, with of a particular focus on inequalities, responsibility the rich and powerful, of implementation means and systemic issues. f

Resources

The Mobile Phone: A Solution to rural agricultural communication a case study of district, Uganda Rakai CTA, 2016 CTA, http://publications.cta.int/media/publications/ downloads/1892__PDF.pdf Communication and information are fun- Communication and information are

dispersed audiences. seminating various kinds of information to large,to information of kinds various seminating of extension and advisory service providers in dis- providers service advisory extension and of information systems. ICTs can amplifycan ICTs systems. information effortsthe an opportunity to extend the reach of current of current an opportunity to extend the reach on to the agricultural development scene offers information and communication technologies development. In recent years, newdevelopment.explosion of the In recent damental building blocks of social and economicand social of blocks building damental f © FAO/Daniel-Hayduk © © FAO, 2016 dimitra newsletter | 29 f f f f practices. political reasons fordiscriminatory inheritance ted mixoflegal,educational,economic, socialand in Muslim societies finds an interconnecwomen - Islamic inheritancelawsandtheirimpactonrural issue ofILC’s newest FramingtheDebateserieson rights toinheritance,especiallyinruralareas. The they continuetobesystematicallydeniedtheir andgenderequality,but empowerment women’s reignty. - of food sove within the framework rural women the humanrighttoadequatefoodandnutritionof furthermore, itisthefirstthatexplicitly recognizes fically addresses women and therightsofrural is thefirstinternationalinstrumentthatspeci- Against Women Thisrecommendation (CEDAW). Committee ontheEliminationofDiscrimination the whichwasissuedby the rightsofruralwomen, analysis of General Recommendation No. 34 on achieved. describes challengesbutalsosuccessesalready ship in agriculture countries and in developing picture oftheemergingfieldICTentrepreneur gal andTanzania. Itpresents amultidimensional d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria,Uganda,Jamaica,Sene- from Barbados,Botswana,Cameroon, Côte men andboysfrom suchviolence. Statestoprotect girls, actions takenby women, aschallengesfacedand terns ofviolations,aswell additional situations of concern. It highlights pat- settings, fourpost-conflictcountries,andtwo 19 countrysituationsandincludes13conflict violence asa‘tacticofterrorism’. Thereport spans focuses onthecriticalnewdimensionofsexual General onConflict-related SexualViolence islamic_inheritance_.pdf documents/resources/web_framing_the_debate_ http://www.landcoalition.org/sites/default/files/ International LandCoalition,2016 Land rightsare particularlyimportantfor sis_FINAL.pdf tions_2016/CEDAW_GR_Rural_Women_Analy- http://www.fian.org/fileadmin/media/publica- FIAN International,2016, FIAN Internationalrecently publishedan downloads/1924_PDF_ILGFWF6.pdf http://publications.cta.int/media/publications/ CTA, 2016 The report introduces innovators 30young sources/1464291095.pdf http://www.stoprapenow.org/uploads/advocacyre- UN Secretary-General,2016 The eighthannualReport oftheSecretary- rural women Cedaw generalrecommendationontherightsof agriculture overcoming challengesandtransforming Innovate foragriculture:YoungICTentrepreneurs UN Secretary-General2016 Conflict-Related SexualViolence– Report ofthe recommendations studies fromAsiaandWest Africaandemerging rural womeninMuslimsocieties:synthesisof Islamic inheritancelawsandtheirimpacton - f f opportunities. them from fullyenjoyingtheirrightsandbetter in criticaldecision-makingprocesses, andprevent participation services. These in turn limit women’s education, information,technologiesandother limited accesstoagriculturalassets,land,credit, continue tofacediscriminationandhave women many drylandcountriesacross rural theworld ficant contributionstoruraleconomies. Yet, in a newway. in lessons learntandtolookatruraldevelopment tion bringstogetherleadingthinkerstoanalyze lity hasincreased. ThisIFAD’s flagshippublica- hasdecreased, inequa- landscape. Whilepoverty altered tracted conflictshave thedevelopment increased urbanization,climatechangeandpro- Structuralshiftsintheglobaleconomy, the world. usually sufficestodo agooglesearch. links aretoolongtoprovideintheirentirety. Ifthepublicationsarehardtofindonorganisation’swebsites,it Note: Mostofthepublicationsmentioned hereareavailableon-lineforfree(unlessotherwisespecified).Mostweb women-and-gender-in-drylands https://drylandsystems.exposure.co/ 2016 Global Forum onAgriculturalResearch –GFAR, Women andgirlsindrylandsmakesigni- c734d0c4-fbb1-4507-9b4b-6c432c6f38c3 ments/30600024/30604583/RDR_WEB.pdf/ https://www.ifad.org/docu- IFAD, 2016 This report comesatatimeofmajorchangein agriculture Women andgenderinDrylands: genderinequityin inclusive ruraltransformation IFAD's RuralDevelopmentReport 2016:Fostering f principles, anddelivered acalltoaction. and issues, identifiedthefundamentaldrivers on thesubstantialandrobust evidenceaboutkey Panel meetinginCostaRica,thisreport hasdrawn inception meetinginMarch andthesubsequent anddirectionstives thatwere agreed onduring the Buildingontheobjec- Economic Empowerment. PanelonWomen’s oftheHigh-Level for thework assets/reports/UNWomen%20Full%20Report.pd http://www.womenseconomicempowerment.org/ Women’s EconomicEmpowerment,2016 UN Secretary-General’sHigh-LevelPanel on This first report represents amajormilestone equality andwomen’seconomicempowerment Leave noonebehind.Acalltoactionforgender