USAID/PLGP Gender-Sensitive Approaches in Value Chain Development: A Briefing Paper

This briefing paper, prepared by Creative Business Solutions (CBS) for the USAID Planning and Local Governance Project (PLGP), aims to provide a framework for sustainable growth and market development. Gender-sensitive value chain development is a key driver for sustainable growth, as it addresses the different roles, position of power, and diverse needs of women and men. This approach recognizes that women and men have different behaviors, aspirations, and needs, and seeks to value and favor them equally. By considering the different impacts of development policies and programs on women and men, gender-sensitive value chain development can lead to more equitable outcomes. The briefing paper highlights the benefits of gender-sensitive value chain interventions, including increased economic opportunities for women, improved market access, and enhanced social and economic empowerment. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting market sustainability in value chain development, which involves strengthening rural value chains, particularly in the agricultural produce and processing sectors. The paper presents a 7-step process for gender-sensitive value chain analysis and development, which includes identifying the core function of the market system, conducting a gender analysis, and developing a value chain strategy. It also highlights the need for action at the macro, meso, and micro levels to promote gender-sensitive value chain development. The briefing paper provides a list of abbreviations, a glossary of key terms, and a list of references for further reading. It also includes a disclaimer stating that the contents of the report are the sole responsibility of Tetra Tech and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. The possible impact of gender equality on Albania's GDP is illustrated in Figure 1, which shows a potential increase in GDP of up to 30% if gender equality is achieved. The briefing paper also presents a figure showing the 7-step process for gender-sensitive value chain analysis and development. The Planning and Local Governance Project (PLGP) in Albania aims to promote local governance and economic development, with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches in value chain development. The project is implemented by Tetra Tech, in partnership with Creative Business Solutions (CBS), and is funded by the USAID. The briefing paper is a key output of the PLGP, and provides a framework for promoting gender-sensitive value chain development in Albania. It is intended for practitioners and policymakers working in the field of economic development and gender equality. The project's international expertise includes Grania Mackie, an expert in gender-sensitive value chain analysis, and Dolly Wittberger, a senior gender advisor. The project's local expertise includes Erald Lamja, an economic development expert. The briefing paper highlights the importance of promoting market sustainability in value chain development, and presents a 7-step process for gender-sensitive value chain analysis and development. It also emphasizes the need for action at the macro, meso, and micro levels to promote gender-sensitive value chain development. The possible impact of gender equality on Albania's GDP is a key theme of the briefing paper, and is illustrated in Figure 1. The paper also presents a figure showing the 7-step process for gender-sensitive value chain analysis and development.