Developing gender-sensitive value chains

Abstract

The FAO Gender-Sensitive Value Chain approach, introduced in 2016, emphasizes the need to assess gender-based constraints (GBCs) as an integral part of the value chain analysis. This publication helps to translate it into practical tools, with examples of successful approaches. The aim is to foster a more systematic integration of gender equality dimensions into value chain interventions in the agricultural sector and enhance the social impact of these interventions.

Gender-based constraints, resulting from gender-based discrimination, play a major part in undermining women’s productive and entrepreneurial potential. Detecting GBCs during the analysis of the value chain is therefore essential to have a complete understanding of the underlying causes of its underperformance and identify upgrading strategies that can be both economically and socially sustainable.

The publication provides case studies to illustrate, with concrete examples, the ways the tools were applied and the interventions that were implemented in different contexts to address specific GBCs. The guidelines are targeted to practitioners in a wide range of organizations and institutions, including national governments, international and non- governmental organizations, research institutes and the private sector.