Many development workers are hesitant to address gender issues in their programmes, because they fear receiving a hostile reaction in the communities where they work. Christiane Frischmuth's case study of an extension project in Siavonga, Zambia demonstrates that gender need not be an intractable 'hot' topic. She traces the institutionalisation of a gender focus into an extension programme, and draws lessons for similar projects.

Beginning in 1992, GTZ provided assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in integrating a participatory approach into their extension services in Siavonga. Extension officers used participatory methods to assess farmers' priorities, which led them towards a multi-sectoral approach to development. They used seasonal calendars to plan extension activities at times convenient to farmers. They began to involve farmers in monitoring and evaluating the outcome of extension efforts.

However, an evaluation revealed that women in the communities were not seeing the benefits from the improved, participatory approach to extension. The staff began to make concerted efforts to address the problems of women. At all stages listed in the paragraph above, staff drew attention to the different priorities of men and women. Issues such as women's workloads, women's demand for leadership training, and women belittling men who sought to change gender roles in the household were raised in meetings. As awareness grew, communities were facilitated through two or three day workshops in which couples would analyse gender relations in their households, and begin to negotiate changes.

The case study draws attention to several key points:

• Gender is not the sensitive topic some claim it to be. With the right methods, attitudes, and approaches, it is welcomed by local people and staff members.
• Gender is not a foreign, theoretical concept, and can be addressed by women and men.
• Gender should be inherent in a participatory approach to development, but is not automatically addressed without specific efforts.

Frischmuth's case study has several policy implications for those who wish to address gender issues in similar programmes:

• Teamwork amongst extension agents is key as new approaches are developed
• Methods should be developed with the participation of all staff in cycles of experimentation and critical reflection. Methods must be used flexibly and adjusted constantly.
• Training for field staff must begin with their personal experiences and include time for reflection as well as technical skills.
• Terms of reference for extension staff must be changed to reflect a focus on gender.
• Extension staff must challenge themselves to change their own attitudes and behaviours to become good facilitators
• Visual PRA methods are valuable in addressing gender issues, as are role playing exercises.
• Institutionalisation must be a participatory process in itself, addressing the concerns and priorities of all actors involved and following the pace of change that actors and participants set for themselves.

Source(s):
Gender is not a Sensitive Issue: Institutionalising a gender-oriented participatory approach in Siavonga, Zambia. International Institute for Environment and Development Gatekeeper Series no. 72, Christiane Frischmuth (1997)

Funded by: GTZ (1997)

id21 Research Highlight: 1998-Apr-14

Further Information:
Christiane Frischmuth
GTZ-OMS
P.O. Box 31131
Lilongwe 3
Malawi

Tel: +265 824908
Fax: +265 784394
Contact the contributor: 104375.1447@compuserve.com

GTZ-OMS, Germany

Other related links:
GTZ-OMS, Germany (English language web-site)

Gatekeeper series, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), UK