Before the intervention, gender gaps existed between men and women in access and control of land, production resources and food security. Few women held leadership positions and women were generally excluded from key decision-making processes such as those pertaining to land. Gender roles rendered women as providers of farm labour, confined them to subsistence production and restricted their involvement in income generating enterprises. Men on the other hand were regarded as the sellers of produce in the markets, hence income from assets was largely controlled by the men.
The solution was using male champions to advocate for gender equality and equity, explain gender concepts, mobilize for gender trainings, and minimize the persistence and impact of harmful ideas like toxic masculinity.
The Gender Analysis conducted at YARD (supported by UWONET- a lighthouse organization) highlighted key gender gaps and propelled the subsequent actions.
YARD drafted an action plan to conduct gender and human rights training in farmer associations, using the Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS) methodology which uses the principles of inclusion to improve income, food and nutrition security of vulnerable people in a gender-equitable way.
Male champions were selected by the association members according to their level of gender sensitivity and understanding of gender and human rights.
Youth Association for Rural Development (YARD) was founded in 1995 to provide knowledge and skills to needy youth, women, and children for improved livelihoods. The organisation is operating two vocational schools for youth and farmers.