Integrating gender considerations in feed and forages research

The potential of livestock in food and nutritional security in lower income countries is undermined by lack of high-quality and sufficient animal feeds. Despite livestock feed research and development efforts, the livestock feed challenge persists with limited adoption of feed innovations partly because gender considerations attracted little attention in feed research and development. Gender dynamics and norms govern intra-household roles and control of benefits from livestock leading to gender-differentiated feed-related needs, challenges, and opportunities that vary depending on context. In this framework, we identify key stages of feed and forage research programs, and propose key gender research questions at all stages that, if investigated, would provide insights into how we can develop feed interventions that respond to gendered needs and opportunities. The questions mostly explore gender roles, gendered control over resources and benefits, gendered access to information, and gendered decision-making about adoption in feed systems. The questions aim to (1) increase the relevance of feed innovations to increase adoption and livestock productivity and (2) leverage feed innovations to support gender equality.