Just transitions through agroecological innovations in family farming in Guatemala: Enablers and barriers towards gender equality

Abstract

Addressing gender gaps is crucial for just transitions in family farming. This study explores enablers and barriers within agroecological innovations to promote gender equality and just transitions in family farming in Guatemala. Emphasis is put on female farmers’ perceptions as key agents for just transitions.The results showed that agroecological innovations strengthen female farmers’ roles in family farming and contribute to distributive justice, albeit not sufficiently. The leadership school in the network's farmer organization increases the capabilities of female farmers, enabling participation in decision-making, networking and enhancing their sense of community belonging.Yet low female participation in decision-making in farmer organizations is perceived as a barrier to change in a male-dominated organizational culture. Funding gaps in public institutions and farmer organizations are also perceived as barriers to closing gender gaps in family farming. For just transitions in family farming, more research on gender-responsive budgets and intersectional gender approaches is suggested.