CONCEPT NOTE
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON DEVELOPING GENDER-SENSITIVE VALUE CHAINS
COURSE BACKGROUND
The pursuit of sustainable food systems is a foundational pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. However, achieving these ambitious transformations is often hampered by persistent gender inequalities within agricultural and food value chains. Women and men frequently face different access to resources, opportunities, decision-making power, and benefits, leading to inefficiencies, lost productivity, and inequitable outcomes that undermine overall system sustainability. A critical gap exists in the practical application of gender-sensitive approaches to value chain analysis and intervention design.
ECAS Institute, dedicated to fostering capacity for sustainable and inclusive development, recognizes that addressing gender disparities is paramount to building resilient and equitable food systems. Therefore, ECAS is offering this specialized training course to bridge the existing knowledge and skills gap among development practitioners and policymakers. By providing a structured approach, such as the FAO’s gender-sensitive value chain framework, ECAS aims to equip professionals with the concrete tools needed to identify, analyze, and effectively address gender-based constraints, aligning with ECAS’s commitment to empowering all actors in development.
This course is specifically designed to unpack why eliminating gender inequalities is pivotal for achieving necessary transformations in food systems. It will guide participants through a practical framework for conducting gender-sensitive analysis of agrifood value chains and developing targeted interventions. By strengthening capacities in this crucial area, ECAS contributes directly to more inclusive, efficient, and ultimately, truly sustainable food systems that benefit women and men equally and drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the critical importance of addressing gender equality as an integral part of sustainable food systems development.
- Understand the FAO gender-sensitive value chain framework and identify its key characteristics and components.
- Acquire the skills to conduct a gender-sensitive analysis of agrifood value chains, identifying differential roles, opportunities, and constraints for women and men.
- Propose and design approaches and actions to effectively address gender-based constraints and foster equal opportunities for women and men along the value chain.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This course will provide participants with a conceptual understanding and practical tools for integrating gender considerations into value chain development. You will learn:
- The compelling rationale for prioritizing gender equality in the context of sustainable food systems and the 2030 Agenda.
- The structure, principles, and practical application of the FAO gender-sensitive value chain framework.
- Methodologies and steps for performing a comprehensive gender analysis within agricultural and food value chains.
- Strategies and specific actions to overcome gender-based barriers, enhance women’s economic empowerment, and promote equitable participation and benefits for all actors in value chains.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
This is a structured training course. The program is organized into three focused lessons, each building upon the previous to provide a comprehensive understanding of gender-sensitive value chain development. The detailed program schedule, including session timings and interactive activities, will be communicated prior to the training commencement.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course primarily targets development practitioners and policymakers who are actively engaged in the development of sustainable food systems. The course also significantly benefits those interested in learning more about how to address gender dimensions in value chain interventions within the agricultural sector, including:
- Academics and Researchers: Seeking to deepen their understanding of gender dynamics in agrifood systems.
- Extension Agents: Working directly with farmers and value chain actors at the local level.
- Gender Specialists: Looking for practical frameworks to integrate gender into economic development initiatives.
- Professionals from national governments, regional and international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities involved in agricultural development.
TRAINING MODULES
The course consists of three sequential lessons, guiding participants from understanding the ‘why’ to mastering the ‘how’ of gender-sensitive value chain development:
| No | Module | Details | |
| 1. | Why is gender relevant to sustainable value chains? |
This foundational lesson explores the critical intersection of gender equality and sustainable food systems. It will clarify why neglecting gender can hinder development progress and how addressing it can unlock the full potential of value chains.
The key objectives include:
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| 2. | Conducting a gender-sensitive value chain analysis |
This module provides the practical tools and methodologies for systematically analyzing agrifood value chains through a gender lens. Participants will learn how to identify the distinct roles, opportunities, constraints, and power dynamics for women and men at each stage of the value chain.
The key objectives include:
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| 3. | Addressing gender-based constraints |
Building on the analysis, this final lesson focuses on designing and implementing effective interventions to address the identified gender-based constraints. It will explore various approaches and actions to promote equal opportunities and empower women and men along the value chain.
The key objectives include:
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TRAINING STYLE
The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.
The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.
The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.
GENERAL NOTES
- Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
- Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE
The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.