ABSTRACT
Value chain development (VCD) has emerged as one pro-poor market-oriented strategy targeting smallholder farmers. Emphasis has been placed on women smallholders, but few studies examine intra-household dynamics related to VCD opportunities. Through a case study on native potato value chains in the central highlands of Peru, this study draws on semi-structured interviews to explore intra-household decisions to participate in VCD, how household agricultural labour is organised, and barriers to women’s involvement. Despite efforts encouraging women to participate, men dominated all aspects of the initiative. Thus, proactive efforts by development organisations need to address resource discrepancies and entrenched gender norms.
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Daniel Tobin
Dr Daniel Tobin is an assistant professor of Community and International Development at the University of Vermont. His research in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa focuses on small-scale farmer responses to social and environmental change.
Paige Castellanos
Dr Paige Castellanos is an Assistant Research Professor in the Office of International Programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Program Manager for the Gender Equity through Agricultural Research and Education Initiative at the Pennsylvania State University. With a focus on Latin America, Dr Castellanos conducts research at the intersection of gender and agriculture.