Assessing gendered impacts of post-harvest technologies in Northern Ghana: gender equity and food security

Abstract

Post-harvest loss of grains contributes to food insecurity, high food prices, and climate change. Several post-harvest technologies are used in Northern Ghana to reduce post-harvest loss, yet research on the subject rarely considers the gendered impacts of the introduction of technologies. The social and cultural context must be considered when introducing agricultural technologies into a community to avoid exacerbating inequality. The authors used a gender technology assessment tool to analyze the impacts of an introduction of three common post-harvest technologies to communities through farmer-based organizations (FBOs) in the Northern Region of Ghana. We found that, while both men and women had access to the technologies, the technologies were controlled by literate/numerate men. Although the technologies were controlled by men, their effects overall benefited men and women. When used in combination, the technologies reduced women’s time burden and had a positive impact on household food and nutrition security. We recommend that gender equity be integrated throughout a project’s lifecycle through recruitment of a gender specialist. Furthermore, extension workers and FBO leaders need training and support in gender equity.