The document summarizes key activities, results, and lessons learned from mainstreaming gender into climate change research in West Africa. Some of the main activities included gender studies on climate perceptions and training women on climate-smart agriculture practices. The studies found differences in how women and men perceive climate change impacts and adaptations. Gender-specific activities empowered women and generated income. Effective mainstreaming requires understanding gender perspectives, promoting equitable access to resources, and establishing organizations to support women farmers. Moving forward, continued gender research, sustaining women's activities, and developing a gender project are recommended.

1. Mainstreaming gender and social differentiation into CCAFS
research activities in West Africa: Key achievements &
lessons learned
Gender networking meeting , Canberra 1 – 2 April 2019
Mathieu Ouédraogo, Samuel T. Partey & Robert Zougmoré
CCAFS WA / ICRISAT - Mali

2. Keys activities implemented in WA
Capacity
building
Training of partners
for gender
research in CSVs
Trainings of women
on CSA practices
Gender studies to
understand the
linkage between
gender and CC
Perception of
climate change &
adaptation
strategies (Mali)
Prioritization of
CSA options (Mali,
Niger, Ghana)
Access & use of
climate information
(Ghana and
Senegal)
Gender sensitive
activities to
empower women
Processing of
baobab fruit
powder (Senegal)
Promotion of
cassio tora
production (Niger)
Development of
gender CSA
groups (Ghana)
Off/on season
gardening (Ghana,
Mali and Senegal)

3. Some results
• Gender studies revealed that :
 Women and men have similar perceptions of
climate change in Ghana and Mali CSVs
 Women and men have different perceptions of
adaptation strategies in Ghana and Mali
 Women and men have different access and use
of CSA options including CIS in Ghana and Mali.
• Gender activities
 Women capacitated in CSA options (PICSA, tree
planting, new crops production, improved varieties,
nutritional education, etc.)
 7 CSA groups formed in Ghana CSV from 2011
to 2017.
 29; 92 and 200Kg of baobab powder produced
and sold generating 171; 700 and 1526 Euros of
income for the women association respectively in
2015; 2016 and 2017.

4. Key lessons
An effective mainstreaming of gender and social issue within
CSVs’ activities in WA requires:
 Understanding gender perception on climate change and
adaptation strategies to develop gender responsive CSA
options.
 Understanding differentiated access and use of CSA options
for promoting the uptake of gender responsive CSA
technologies and practices .
 Developing gender specific activities in CSV work that meet
women and youth needs and concern and motivate them to
participate in CSA.
 Establishing gender collective organizations to support
gender initiatives (networking, capacity building, mutual support).
 Understanding constraints and potential for gender
responsive work to reduce gender gap in CSA.

5. Ways forwards
Continue with gender studies (focus on CSA
impact on gender)
Sustain the gender specific activities within the
CSV (need investment)
 Develop a Gender project (FP level)