Gender equality and social inclusion in food systems transformation pathways: evidence from Eastern Africa

Abstract

Food systems are deeply inequitable yet sustainability in food systems cannot be attained without gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). Through a document review of the food systems transformation pathways (FSTPs) of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, this paper assesses GESI integration in the food systems transformation commitments of the Eastern African nations. The findings reveal that women, youth, smallholder farmers, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are the key groups experiencing inequality in food systems across the region. A common challenge among these groups is limited access to essential resources such as land, finances, and agricultural inputs. Each country has made context-specific GESI commitments to address these inequalities. These commitments include improving access to resources, strengthening extension services, enhancing skills development for youth, mainstreaming gender equality, and challenging regressive cultural norms. However, despite the potential of these commitments to advance GESI if effectively implemented, several gaps remain. These include limited emphasis on the inclusion of PWDs, despite their recognition as a vulnerable group; lack of clear targeting of specific vulnerable populations in some commitments; absence of measures to address certain types of inequalities that countries have acknowledged; and insufficient focus on tackling the root causes of gender and social inequalities. Based on these findings, the paper offers recommendations to strengthen GESI integration for more equitable and sustainable food systems outcomes.