Introducing a Gender Perspective into Agricultural Research in Kenya: Lessons learned at the Kenya Agricultural Research institute

Abstract

In the 1990s, efforts to mainstream gender in agriadtural research were primarily donor-driven initiatives. The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) took the lead in the early years of these efforts by establishing a gender task force, facilitating repeated gender sensitization of scientists and stakeholders, a gender conference, the gender and agricultural research database (GARD). training gender trainers and advisors, revising guidelines for research proposals and offering incentives to scientists demonstrating a gender perspective. A 2001 survey revealed the limited effects of these initiatives at the human resource level. Infrequent use of instruments has reflected the need for alternative gender support systems. Examples of a gender perspective in agricultural research and technology development have been cited as indicators for emerging impacts. Three-quarters of KARI scientists are men (80 percent at the senior management level), and a higher proportion of men than women researchers have benefited from promotions. The gender imbalance has not effectively been addressed. On the other hand, according to a 1999 survey. KARI responds to the specific needs of women staff. Effects of institutional and attitudinal change processes are evident. However, more support for holistic approaches to agricultural research and extension as well as leadership training for women scientists are required to improve the impact at a larger scale.