Integrating Gender and Nutrition within Agricultural Extension Services: Info Sheet

This framework helps to document the differences in the gendered access and control of resources, such as land, water, seeds, or extension information. The toolset is adaptable for use in either agricultural or livestock (or combined) production systems. The framework consists of three interrelated tools: an activity profile, an access and control profile, and a list of influencing factors. The activity profile inquires about who does what for all relevant farm, home, and community tasks, including who, when, and where. The access and control profile clarifies and documents who has access to resources and who controls their use in relation to the tasks identified in the activity profile. The influencing factors tool identifies factors that shape differences between men and women, including political, economic, or cultural factors affecting the gender differences identified in the above two profiles. Analyzing data using the Harvard Analytical Framework involves several steps. First, extension agents analyze activity profile data by identifying which activities are done by which sex, and further disaggregating by age or class to distinguish differences in their tasks, rights, and responsibilities. Second, they analyze data from the access and control profile by identifying all the relevant resources available for that activity, and then looking at who has access to a particular resource and who makes decisions over that resource. Third, they use data from the influencing factors tool to identify what factors lie behind the pattern of activities and access and control situations. Finally, they think about what they could do to make changes and be more inclusive of women and other underserved populations. The findings from the tool can be used to plan extension programs, including tailoring training sessions to women's needs, adjusting the extension program agenda, and planning new extension activities. The strengths of the framework include its practicality, ease of application, and ability to collect and organize information about the gendered division of work. However, the framework has some weaknesses, including its focus on material resources rather than strategic gender needs, and its tendency to oversimplify and homogenize inequalities. The Harvard Analytical Framework is designed to be shared and can be used in a variety of settings and situations. It is a non-threatening inquiry about women or men's activities because it relies on "facts." However, it is essential to consider the underlying inequalities, such as class, race, or ethnicity, when using this framework. The framework is adaptable and can be used in conjunction with other tools and resources to promote gender equality and inclusion in agricultural extension services.