In the heart of the Philippines, amidst the lush green fields of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo of agricultural projects and their impact on women’s empowerment. Led by Hom Nath Gartaula, a senior researcher at IRRI, the study delves into the often-overlooked aspects of gender dynamics in agricultural development, offering insights that could revolutionize the way we approach rural empowerment and, by extension, the energy sector’s reliance on agricultural outputs.
The research, published in the journal ‘npj Sustainable Agriculture’ (which translates to ‘npj Sustainable Agriculture’), systematically reviews the application of the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI) in impact evaluations. The findings are a mixed bag, revealing that while many projects aim to empower women, the results are far from uniform. Some projects have successfully improved women’s autonomy in income, group membership, asset ownership, and financial access. However, others have had negative impacts on work balance and attitudes toward intimate partner violence, largely due to the absence of asset transfers, male backlash, and entrenched gender norms.
Gartaula’s team analyzed 626 articles published between 2012 and 2024, narrowing them down to eight for a detailed review using the PRISMA framework. The outcomes were classified into four categories: negative, no impact, positive but non-significant, and positive and significant. The results underscore the complexity of gender dynamics in agricultural settings and the need for more nuanced approaches.
One of the most striking findings is the role of men in women’s empowerment. Projects that involved men, provided assets, and offered skills training were more likely to foster women’s empowerment. This challenges the traditional view of women’s empowerment as a zero-sum game, where men’s gains are women’s losses. “Involving men in the process doesn’t necessarily undermine women’s empowerment,” Gartaula explains. “In fact, it can enhance it, especially when coupled with asset transfers and skills training.”
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The energy sector is intrinsically linked to agriculture, from the biofuels produced from agricultural waste to the energy required for irrigation and farming activities. Empowering women in agriculture can lead to increased productivity, improved resource management, and more sustainable practices. This, in turn, can enhance the energy sector’s access to reliable and sustainable agricultural outputs.
The study recommends gender-transformative approaches, such as integrating socio-technical innovations, to address systemic inequalities and advance gender equality. This could involve everything from providing women with access to new technologies to challenging entrenched gender norms through community dialogues and education.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the path to sustainable development is not just about technological innovation or policy reform. It’s about understanding and addressing the complex social dynamics that underpin our societies. Gartaula’s research is a significant step in this direction, offering valuable insights that could shape the future of agricultural development and, by extension, the energy sector. The journey towards gender equality in agriculture is far from over, but with studies like this, we’re one step closer to a more equitable and sustainable future.