Summary
This paper presents findings from a survey of 306 farmers in southern Africa examining gender differences in maize variety selection and agronomic practices. The authors argue that researcher-led on-farm trials using pre-defined management practices may fail to capture gender-specific trait preferences driving varietal choice, and propose that incorporating selection environments aligned with female farmers' actual practices into the maize breeding pipeline could provide an immediate pathway to increase gender-intentionality in breeding programmes.
UK applicability
The findings are geographically specific to southern African smallholder farming contexts and socio-economic conditions, and thus have limited direct applicability to UK agricultural systems. However, the methodological approach of examining gender differences in varietal preference and agronomic practice could inform gender-responsive crop improvement strategies in UK horticulture or organic farming sectors.
Key measures
Maize variety choice; agronomic management practices; gender of plot manager; gender of household head; farmer preferences
Outcomes reported
The study surveyed 306 farmers to identify gender differences in maize variety preferences and agronomic practices, finding that maize variety was a significant predictor of plot manager gender and household head gender. Results demonstrated significant differences in agronomic practices between female and male plot managers and household heads.
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