Gender responsive research approaches in Niger

Summary

All research should take gender dynamics into consideration. In FRN and other participatory projects, this is especially critical. At times it may be relevant to design a project with a particular focus on women, addressing their specific needs and taking into account their circumstances. For example, FUMA Gaskiya is focusing on women’s production systems and gender issues related to agriculture. Some of the project elements for example, aim to provide more diversity and independence in preparing food for their families by facilitating vegetable production in the off-season; wood ash and sanitized urine fertilization techniques are well-adapted for women who often manage less fertile lands with few resources; and community radio can be a great way to share knowledge. In addition, tests on soil fertility and intercropping treatments were assessed by women and men of different ages to see if there were gender and age-related differences in farmer preferences.