Agriculture is vital to rural livelihoods, yet longstanding social inequalities have hindered marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, from fully benefiting. Recognizing the critical role of gender and social inclusion, the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) has integrated these elements into its framework to ensure that marginalized groups actively participate in agroecology transitions. This approach aims to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agricultural system.
In Zimbabwe, women and youth are central to agriculture but often face barriers in accessing resources like land, credit, and markets. In districts such as Mbire and Murehwa, women make up about 70% of the agricultural labor force but have limited control over key resources necessary for improving productivity and economic stability. This gender gap is even more pronounced when it comes to decision-making processes, which often exclude women and youth despite their substantial contributions.
The AE-I takes a unique approach to addressing these issues by embedding gender and social inclusion (GESI) into agroecology. The initiative employs a participatory approach through Agroecology Living Landscapes (ALLs), collaborative spaces where community members co-create locally relevant solutions. This inclusive methodology challenges traditional top-down development practices, ensuring that marginalized groups are not only represented but also actively engaged in decision-making processes.
A key element of the AE-I is its commitment to “do no harm—say no harm,” recognizing that including marginalized groups requires sensitivity to local contexts and existing power dynamics. While systemic barriers like entrenched gender norms persist, the initiative works with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED), to advocate for gender mainstreaming. Over time, MWACSMED has evolved from a passive participant to a leading advocate for gender and social inclusion within these landscapes.
One significant action has been the introduction of monthly dialogues with elders to reconcile cultural traditions with gender and social inclusion goals. These dialogues have had a transformative effect, with many community leaders acknowledging the importance of women’s contributions to agriculture. The initiative’s inclusive approach is evidenced by the participation of women and youth in activities such as seed fairs and field days, where more than 60% of participants are from these groups. This level of engagement highlights the potential for agroecology to empower marginalized groups and enhance their roles as active contributors to agricultural innovation.
The AE-I also focuses on reducing barriers to entry, ensuring that participation in these initiatives is not limited by asset ownership. This inclusive approach allows resource-poor farmers, especially women and youth, to engage in transformative agricultural practices. One farmer shared that, in the past, only those with cattle or fenced homesteads could join programs for transformative change, but now even farmers without such assets can participate.
The AE-I’s work is also making strides toward economic independence for women. In Mbire and Murehwa, women are shifting from subsistence farming to agroecological business models, such as Sasso poultry farming, which provides a steady income stream. This shift is also benefiting youth, who are diversifying their income sources and securing a more stable future. Despite these advances, exploitative market dynamics remain a challenge, with middlemen suppressing prices and eroding farmers’ profitability. To address this, the AE-I has introduced cooperative-led marketing, digital trading platforms, and off-take agreements, ensuring more equitable economic participation and contributing to a more resilient food system.
Another challenge, particularly for women, is the physical labor involved in agriculture. Women often bear the burden of labor-intensive tasks like land preparation, weeding, and post-harvest handling. While agroecological practices aim to improve sustainability and resilience, some methods, like conservation agriculture, can initially increase labor demands. To mitigate this, the AE-I has facilitated access to labor-saving technologies, such as basin diggers and multigrain threshers, which reduce physical strain and allow women to participate more fully in value-added activities and decision-making processes within the food system.
By prioritizing gender-responsive technologies and inclusive practices, the AE-I is fostering agroecological transitions that not only promote sustainability but also empower women, youth, and marginalized communities to take control of their agricultural futures. These efforts highlight the potential of agroecology to build inclusive, productive, and sustainable food systems that benefit all members of society.
