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Gendering post-harvest loss research: responsibilities of women and men to manage maize after harvest in southwestern Ethiopia

Author

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  • Margareta Amy Lelea

    (German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL)
    University of Kassel)

  • Chemeda Abedeta Garbaba

    (University of Kassel
    Jimma University)

  • Abera Guluma

    (Jimma University
    Wolkite University)

  • Oliver Hensel

    (University of Kassel)

Abstract

Post-harvest losses are a significant problem worldwide, leading to a waste of resources when they are becoming scarcer. Rather than putting more energy into increasing production volume, addressing post-harvest losses can increase food availability without increasing yields. Using maize in Ethiopia to introduce gendering post-harvest loss research, we analyze the gendered division of labor in post-harvest management and then discuss implications. The study was conducted from 2014–2015 in southwestern Ethiopia as part of a broader research project from 2013–2018. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 208 male and female farmer heads of household. Our results show that although maize post-harvest activities are deemed to be the responsibility of women, the overall management of maize after harvest requires the cooperation of all household members. For example, both women and men contribute to time-sensitive harvest, packing and de-husking activities. Men tend to have the responsibility for ensuring that maize is stored well. Critically, women tend to sell small quantities of maize to pay for everyday household expenses including purchasing other foods to diversify diets. Often recommendations in literature to reduce maize post-harvest losses include building processing centers and formalizing the supply chain. However, as shown in this research, women’s role to decide which maize to consume in the home and which to sell is important for access to quality food. Without gendering post-harvest loss research, it is possible that gender harms are enacted when women’s livelihoods are impacted in the process of reducing post-harvest losses, and this may compromise food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Margareta Amy Lelea & Chemeda Abedeta Garbaba & Abera Guluma & Oliver Hensel, 2022. "Gendering post-harvest loss research: responsibilities of women and men to manage maize after harvest in southwestern Ethiopia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 14(4), pages 951-963, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:14:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s12571-022-01259-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-022-01259-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christiaensen,Luc & Kaminski,Jonathan & Christiaensen,Luc & Kaminski,Jonathan, 2014. "Post-harvest loss in Sub-Saharan Africa -- what do farmers say ?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 6831, The World Bank.
    2. Tsedeke Abate & Bekele Shiferaw & Abebe Menkir & Dagne Wegary & Yilma Kebede & Kindie Tesfaye & Menale Kassie & Gezahegn Bogale & Berhanu Tadesse & Tolera Keno, 2015. "Factors that transformed maize productivity in Ethiopia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 7(5), pages 965-981, October.
    3. Bart Minten & David Stifel & Seneshaw Tamru, 2014. "Structural Transformation of Cereal Markets in Ethiopia," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(5), pages 611-629, May.
    4. Joanne Manda & Brighton Mvumi, 2010. "Gender relations in household grain storage management and marketing: the case of Binga District, Zimbabwe," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 27(1), pages 85-103, March.
    5. Katharine Tröger & Margareta Amy Lelea & Oliver Hensel & Brigitte Kaufmann, 2018. "Embracing the Complexity: Surfacing Problem Situations with Multiple Actors of the Pineapple Value Chain in Uganda," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(5), pages 557-580, October.
    6. Chegere, Martin Julius, 2018. "Post-harvest losses reduction by small-scale maize farmers: The role of handling practices," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 103-115.
    7. Affognon, Hippolyte & Mutungi, Christopher & Sanginga, Pascal & Borgemeister, Christian, 2015. "Unpacking Postharvest Losses in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Meta-Analysis," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 49-68.
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    Cited by:

    1. RAHAL, Imen, 2024. "The Supply Chain Management for Perishables Products : A Literature Review," MPRA Paper 119193, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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