Rhetoric and reality: Where do women in agricultural development projects stand today? part 1—women in agricultural development: The world bank's view

Abstract

Women's rôles in agricultural production and processing and the mechanisms of agrarian change which adversely affect many women's participation in, and enjoyment of, the benefits of development are by now fairly well documented. Causal analysis is becoming more sophisticated and understanding of the importance of local variations in the differential impact of agricultural projects on men and women is growing. However, little of what is known seems to be translated into the operational guidelines used in the mainstream of development thinking and action. In Part 1 (of this two part paper), recent publications of the World Bank are examined to see how far awareness and action in the practice of agricultural administration by a leading donor organisation reflects what is at present known about women in agriculture. The conclusion is that the World Bank so far has failed to make the major conceptual and practical adjustments necessary or to give a substantive lead, despite its avowed commitment to enhancing the well-being of and opportunities for, women's advancement. In Part 2, suggestions will be made for strategies at the project, programme and policy levels to effect the required changes in the practice of agricultural administration.