An evidence synthesis of gender norms in agri-food systems: Pathways towards improved women’s economic resilience to climate change

Synthesis paper
Research report

Authored by Rietveld, A. M.,Farnworth, C. R. ,Shijagurumayum, M.,Meentzen, A.,Voss, R.,Morahan, R.,López, D. E.

Summary

This paper focuses on understanding how women navigate their livelihoods and manage household food in the face of climate change impacts on agri-food systems. The research questions centre around the hypothesis that restrictive gender norms limit women’s capacity to adapt and sustain their livelihoods. Through an extensive literature review and data from GENNOVATE fieldwork-based case studies, this study finds that gender norms significantly impact women’s resilience in food production and consumption systems, influencing their decision-making power and economic opportunities. The report presents a conceptual framework with three potential economic resilience pathways for women: absorptive, adaptive, and transformative, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they face. Recommendations include targeted research and development efforts to address the identified gender norms, recognizing women as crucial actors in food systems and promoting their decision-making power over land and resources.

Research detail

An evidence synthesis of gender norms in agri-food systems: Pathways towards improved women’s economic resilience to climate change

Synthesis paper
Research report

Published December 2023 by CGIAR. Authored by Rietveld, A. M., Farnworth, C. R. , Shijagurumayum, M., Meentzen, A., Voss, R., Morahan, R. and López, D. E.