IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/jsecdv/v26y2024i2d10.1007_s40847-023-00280-x.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A needs-based approach to promoting gender equity and inclusivity: insights from participatory research with farmer-producer organisations (FPOs)

Author

Listed:
  • Tomás Harrington

    (University of East Anglia)

  • Nivedita Narain

    (PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action))

  • Nitya Rao

    (University of East Anglia)

  • R. Rengalakshmi

    (M S Swaminathan Research Foundation)

  • Reetu Sogani

    (Lok Chetna Manch)

  • Shuvajit Chakraborty

    (PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action))

  • Astha Upadhyay

    (PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action))

Abstract

The farmer-producer organisation (FPO) is an umbrella term used to describe modes of farmer collectivisation in India, i.e. co-operatives and companies. While women cultivators play a central role in agriculture, their continued marginalisation is reflected in a lack of engagement in FPO activities and governance structures, with only 3% of existing FPOs being female-led ventures. This paper examines the nature of tensions around social inequities—and how such tensions might be addressed in the collective spaces offered by FPOs—using a gender lens, specifically in balancing conflicting pressures of economic performance versus inclusion and meeting specific members' needs. Using a participatory research approach, a conceptual framework is developed and applied in three FPOs operating at various stages of development. With a specific focus on gender equity and social inclusion, selected cases involved FPOs with > 75% female membership and scheduled caste/tribe participation. Qualitative data on societal needs, based on the expectations and experiences of FPO participants, are then analysed to better understand (1) what might promote FPO participation and (2) how equity and inclusion may be enabled from the ‘bottom-up’. This exploratory study informs the collective action debate with its new and intersectional approach to gender equity and inclusivity. Empirical observations and within-case analyses involving FPOs provide new insights into the functioning of these institutions and nuanced interactions involving their members. Findings suggest that informal micro-producer arrangements or vyavastha, in the FPO pre-registration phase, are well positioned to act as spatial agents for establishing ethical norms as FPOs collectivise and grow. In terms of promoting social objectives and evaluating FPOs operating in different stages, a set of guiding principles are proposed with follow-on implications for policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomás Harrington & Nivedita Narain & Nitya Rao & R. Rengalakshmi & Reetu Sogani & Shuvajit Chakraborty & Astha Upadhyay, 2024. "A needs-based approach to promoting gender equity and inclusivity: insights from participatory research with farmer-producer organisations (FPOs)," Journal of Social and Economic Development, Springer;Institute for Social and Economic Change, vol. 26(2), pages 409-434, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jsecdv:v:26:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s40847-023-00280-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s40847-023-00280-x
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s40847-023-00280-x
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s40847-023-00280-x?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robert E. Quinn & Kim Cameron, 1983. "Organizational Life Cycles and Shifting Criteria of Effectiveness: Some Preliminary Evidence," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 29(1), pages 33-51, January.
    2. Bina Agarwal, 2020. "Labouring for Livelihoods: Gender, Productivity and Collectivity," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 63(1), pages 21-37, March.
    3. Annapurna Neti & Richa Govil & Madhushree R. Rao, 2019. "Farmer Producer Companies in India: Demystifying the Numbers," Journal, Review of Agrarian Studies, vol. 9(2), pages 92-113, July-Dece.
    4. Judith Janker & Stefan Mann, 2020. "Understanding the social dimension of sustainability in agriculture: a critical review of sustainability assessment tools," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1671-1691, March.
    5. Tomás Seosamh Harrington & Jagjit Singh Srai, 2017. "Understanding stages of supply network emergence in technology commercialisation," International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 31(1/2/3), pages 4-36.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Agnieszka Kuś & Dorota Grego-Planer, 2021. "A Model of Innovation Activity in Small Enterprises in the Context of Selected Financial Factors: The Example of the Renewable Energy Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Mohammad Safari & Zahra Kazemi Saraskanrood, 2023. "Drivers of the Target Financial Leverage and Speed of Adjustment in Small and Medium-Sized Companies at Different Stages of Life Cycle," European Journal of Studies in Management and Business, EUROKD, vol. 25, pages 16-31.
    3. Ammar Hussain & Minhas Akbar & Muhammad Kaleem Khan & Ahsan Akbar & Mirela Panait & Marian Catalin Voica, 2020. "When Does Earnings Management Matter? Evidence across the Corporate Life Cycle for Non-Financial Chinese Listed Companies," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-19, December.
    4. Raquel Insa-Ciriza & Maria Pujol-Jover & Carme Riera-Prunera, 2014. "E-government: the youngest brother," ERSA conference papers ersa14p905, European Regional Science Association.
    5. Lynn E. Miller & Karen A. Simmons, 1992. "Differences in Management Practices of Founding and Nonfounding Chief Executives of Human Service Organizations," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 16(4), pages 31-40, July.
    6. Owino O. Joseph & Francis Kibera, 2019. "Organizational Culture and Performance: Evidence From Microfinance Institutions in Kenya," SAGE Open, , vol. 9(1), pages 21582440198, March.
    7. Patrick G. Scott & Sanjay K. Pandey, 2000. "The influence of red tape on bureaucratic behavior: An experimental simulation," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 19(4), pages 615-633.
    8. Anne M. Mccarthy & David A. Krueger & Timothy S. Schoenecker, 1991. "Changes in the Time Allocation Patterns of Entrepreneurs," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 15(2), pages 7-18, January.
    9. Pirozzi Maria Grazia & Agliata Francesco & Tuccillo Danilo & Pirozzi Francesco, 2021. "Defining the Integrated Performance Measurement Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises: An Advanced Model," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 14(12), pages 203-203, July.
    10. Sang-Lyul Ryu & Jayoun Won, 2022. "The Value Relevance of Operational Innovation: Insights from the Perspective of Firm Life Cycle," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    11. Benyamin M. Bergmann Lichtenstein & Candida G. Brush, 2001. "How Do “Resource Bundles†Develop and Change in New Ventures? A Dynamic Model and Longitudinal Exploration," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 25(3), pages 37-58, April.
    12. Drogendijk, H.J., 2005. "The Development of Network Relations of MNC Subsidiaries : How Internal MNC and External (Local) Relations Evolve," Discussion Paper 2005-128, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    13. Karin Astrid Siegmann & Hadia Majid, 2021. "Empowering Growth in Pakistan?," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 64(2), pages 309-331, June.
    14. Bernhard Fietz & Julia Hillmann & Edeltraud Guenther, 2021. "Cultural Effects on Organizational Resilience: Evidence from the NAFTA Region," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 73(1), pages 5-46, March.
    15. Colombelli, Alessandra, 2014. "The Impact of Top Management Team Characteristics on Firms Growth," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis LEI & BRICK - Laboratory of Economics of Innovation "Franco Momigliano", Bureau of Research in Innovation, Complexity and Knowledge, Collegio 201412, University of Turin.
    16. Xosé H. Vázquez, 2004. "Allocating Decision Rights on the Shop Floor: A Perspective from Transaction Cost Economics and Organization Theory," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(4), pages 463-480, August.
    17. Hanna Silvola, 2008. "Design of MACS in growth and revival stages of the organizational life‐cycle," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 5(1), pages 27-47, March.
    18. Patel, Pankaj C. & Pearce, John A. & Oghazi, Pejvak, 2021. "Not so myopic: Investors lowering short-term growth expectations under high industry ESG-sales-related dynamism and predictability," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 551-563.
    19. Luigi Mosca & Martina Gianecchini & Diego Campagnolo, 2021. "Organizational life cycle models: a design perspective," Journal of Organization Design, Springer;Organizational Design Community, vol. 10(1), pages 3-18, March.
    20. Tatiana Manolova & Linda Edelman & Candida Brush & Beate Rotefoss, 2012. "Properties of emerging organizations: empirical evidence from Norway," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 39(3), pages 763-781, October.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Farmer-producer organisation (FPO); Women farmers; Individual needs; Collective spaces; Gender equity; Inclusive development; India;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • P13 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Cooperative Enterprises
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:jsecdv:v:26:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s40847-023-00280-x. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.