Study Abroad

International Development:
Gender Assessment of Value Chains, India


Dr. Andrea Allen, Institute of International Agriculture

Program Description:

Students travel to southern India and perform a gender assessment on agricultural commodity value chains. Research includes the assessment of the level and nature of women's and men's relative participation along the value chain of an agricultural commodity (e.g., Indian mangos). As part of this assessment, students will investigate areas of balance/equity as well as constraints to participation, including disproportionate levels of employment, benefits received and decision-making involvement.  Potential approaches to removing these constraints to equitable participation will also be explored.


Timeline:

WEEK #

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES & PRODUCTS

Week 1
  • Initial research conceptualization
  • Begin literature review – Examine related academic literature and available primary data, e.g. existing program documentation

 

Weeks 2-3
  • Continue literature review
  • Develop detailed research approach (design, methods, research instrument/s)

 

Week 4
  • Refine research/data collection approach and instrument/s

 

Weeks 5-7

In-country data collection:

week 5
  • 2 days – Travel East Lansing-Chennai.
  • 2 days – Adjust from travel and connect with local coordinator to finalize details of research schedule.
  • 1 day – 1) Meet with TNAU and other Chennai-based agricultural and gender experts; 2) Collect local literature/documents related to research topic/questions.
  • 1-2 days – 1) Travel to cultural sites on outskirts of Chennai; 2) Identify links of religious/cultural symbols and activities with local agricultural cycle; 3) Carry out conference call or email exchange with professor to discuss final itinerary and activity details.

 

week 6
  • Travel to research site.
  • Observe production, processing & market activities for identified products.
  • Carry out pilot interviews with individuals working in production, processing & market activities, including workers, managers, owners.
  • Revise interview schedule/s as necessary.
  • Carry out individual and/or focus group interviews with above groups.

 

 

week 7
  • Carry out conference call with professor early in week to discuss progress and refine next steps.
  • Carry out additional interviews in field and/or at TNAU as needed.
  • Identify any additional local literature/documents needed for research and collect these as able.
  • 2 days – Travel Chennai-East Lansing.

 

Weeks 8-10

Report writing -- Develop report on gender analysis findings and an action plan to increase gender equity across program activities and results, and submit for comment.

Weeks 11-12

Revise report based on feedback from professor.


For more information please contact:

Dan Dutkiewicz
Industry Liaison and Student Abroad Specialist
Institute of International Agriculture
Michigan State University
319 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
517-355-0184
dutkiew1@anr.msu.edu