Blog 1

Summary

This transcript captures the end-of-course presentation for a six-month Southeast Asia Gender Skills and Capability Training Course focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), climate, and biodiversity. The event featured 28 participants presenting their research projects, with a focus on gender dynamics in farming systems. Presentations addressed the barriers women face in accessing agricultural training, highlighting gender-sensitive recommendations for inclusive training and better pest management. The session emphasized the importance of gender awareness and practical approaches to improve agricultural productivity and community involvement in Southeast Asia, with a special focus on the role of women in farming.

Takeaways

• 😀 The session is a presentation of the Southeast Asia Gender Skills Capability Training Course, focusing on gender dynamics in farming systems.
• 😀 The course covered topics like gender methods, impact assessment, ethics, gender analysis, and how gender concepts apply to climate change and pest management.
• 😀 A total of 28 participants took part in the course, with the goal of enhancing their skills and understanding of gender dynamics in agriculture and climate.
• 😀 The course structure included two workshops, online training modules, and research projects, which spanned over a six-month period from July to December of the previous year.
• 😀 Participants in the course committed substantial time, with a 100% completion rate, reflecting their dedication and the program's success.
• 😀 Manfred, one of the course facilitators, outlined the challenges and extensive commitment needed from participants, with live sessions and quizzes reinforcing the learning process.
• 😀 The course's research projects focused on how gender impacts training access and outcomes in farming systems, with surveys and interviews targeting male and female farmers.
• 😀 In corn-based farming systems, men are primarily responsible for fieldwork and pesticide use, while women contribute to decision-making but face barriers such as childcare and limited mobility.
• 😀 In coconut-based farming systems, while men typically handle pesticide-related tasks, women play a key role in farm management and household finances but face challenges due to cultural expectations and limited access to training.
• 😀 Recommendations include making training programs more accessible, flexible, and gender-sensitive to ensure that both men and women can equally participate and benefit.
• 😀 Future research could explore the impact of gender-sensitive training programs on decision-making and farm productivity, as well as investigate the effectiveness of policies promoting gender equality in agricultural practices.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the Southeast Asia Gender Skills Capability Training Course?

The main objective of the course was to support the region and practitioners in Southeast Asia by enhancing their skills and capabilities in gender studies, particularly in the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), climate change, and biodiversity.

How many participants were involved in the course, and how were they engaged during the six-month program?

There were 28 participants in total, and they were engaged in both in-person workshops and online training. Throughout the six-month course, participants worked on research projects and participated in multiple live sessions to enhance their learning and interaction.

What role did gender dynamics play in the agricultural training programs discussed in the presentation?

Gender dynamics were central to understanding how men and women participate differently in farming and agricultural training programs. The study explored the barriers women face, such as household duties, childcare, and mobility, which often limit their access to training programs.

What are some of the challenges women face in accessing agricultural training?

Women face challenges such as household responsibilities, limited mobility, childcare duties, and cultural norms that prioritize men for training in crop protection and pesticide use, despite their significant roles in farming.

How were the participants selected for the study, and what methodology was used?

The participants were selected through stratified random sampling, with an equal number of male and female respondents (32 each from corn-based and coconut-based farming systems). Data was collected through surveys and interviews, with a focus on gender differences in training access and outcomes.

What were the key findings regarding gender roles in corn-based farming systems in the Philippines?

In corn-based farming, men typically handle fieldwork, pesticide use, and manage larger land areas, while women focus on household tasks, gardens, and food processing. However, women's roles in pest management and pesticide safety are often overlooked, despite their active participation.

How did gender roles differ in coconut-based farming systems?

In coconut-based farming, women tend to manage household finances and farm operations, while men are seen as responsible for pesticide application and weeding. Women reported lower knowledge of pesticide use, despite higher access to smartphones and the internet for agricultural information.

What recommendations were made for improving gender equality in agricultural training programs?

The recommendations included making training programs more accessible and flexible, introducing gender-sensitive options, and promoting joint farm management, particularly supporting female farmers in decision-making. Youth-focused outreach was also suggested to improve participation in coconut-based farming.

What future research opportunities were suggested based on the findings of the study?

Future research could focus on exploring the impact of gender-sensitive training on decision-making and farm productivity, investigating policies promoting equitable gender division of labor, and examining the role of digital platforms and innovations in overcoming barriers such as mobility and time constraints.

What valuable experiences did the research team gain from the course?

The research team gained valuable insights into gender dynamics in agricultural practices, particularly in terms of recognizing the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in their research. They also appreciated the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of participants and enrich their understanding of gender issues in agriculture.