Gender Dynamics in Seed Systems project with Berber Kramer (IFPRI, Principal Investigator) in collaboration with the CGIAR Gender Platform for Gender Research and Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) Africa

1. Gender Dynamics in Seed Systems
Reducing social gaps in access to seeds: A cluster
randomized trial in Kenya

2. Research team and partners
• Lead partner: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
• Berber Kramer (Principal Investigator)
• Samson Dejene Aredo (Research Analyst)
• Wageningen University
• Francesco Cecchi (Co-PI)
• Agricultural and Climate Risk Enterprise (ACRE) Limited

3. Justification and background of study
Business models for seed distribution: Often developed assuming that all farmers think alike, and have
the same access to seeds.
This is not the case; Formal seed distribution channels often do not reach women farmers, which is a
missed opportunity.
Our change ambition: Identify business models for seed distribution that are not only sustainable but
also…
• Reach,
• Benefit, and
• Empower
the diversity of farmers engaging in smallholder production;
including both men and women of different social categories.

4. We will be testing new business models, not only in terms of whether they are sustainable (increase
agricultural productivity and incomes, i.e. the size of the pie) but also enhance women’s empowerment
(i.e., divide the pie more equally).
The project will measure whether such change occurs at different levels:
• Women farmers getting better access to and control over seeds;
• Women entrepreneurs having better seed trading opportunities;
• Seed companies developing the capacity to package, distribute and market for women farmers;
• Breeders seeing women as a key client group;
• Gender norms becoming more conducive for women in seed systems.
Main research questions

5. Cluster randomized trial of a seed systems intervention, which is designed to answer the
following questions related to gender dynamics in the seed system:
1.To what extent is the marketing and distribution of seeds through village entrepreneurs a
sustainable business model? Does this model enhance women’s empowerment and change gender
norms in seed systems?
2.How does ICT—reducing information asymmetries in seed systems—affect the inclusiveness of this
business model, i.e. the impacts on women’s empowerment?
3.How do differences in gender, age and social class shape an entrepreneur’s relationship with
smallholders; can these social dynamics be leveraged better to reduce social gaps in access and
use of seeds?
4.Do these results change when linking seeds with other products, e.g. insurance and advisories?
Methods