SEX ROLES IN FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN THE SAHEL

The discussion begins with a description of the natural environment. Food consumption patterns are described. The Sahelian food production systems are explored including sex roles in food production among sedentary farmers, food distribution practices among sedentary farmers, sex roles in food production among pastoralists, and food distribution practices among pastorialists. Sex roles in food processing and the African women"s participation in food-related activities are investigated. It concludes that a significant amount of food production is accomplished by women, that almost all food processing is done by women, and that most of the food produced and processed by Sahelian women is consumed by their immediate companions. A small portion of food production by women reaches the monetized sector, usually the local markets. These traditional food systems were affected first by some degree of modernization and then by the drought. There is an attempt to affect these systems in a planned, rational way through long-term development programs. The impact of each of these on the systems is described briefly. There are few women in either the African or American agencies dealing with agricultural development; women do not fully participate in projects since there are few advocates for women"s rights. Assistance, training, and resources are being delivered to men and for men"s crops far more than to women and their crops. This differential input tends to undercut women"s traditional roles and power.