Integrating gender in food systems research – concepts, approaches and experiences from the field

0579945 - SOÚ 2024 eng U - Conference, Workshop Arrangement
Nebeská, Ananké - Oliva, Eva - Lemke, S.
Integrating gender in food systems research – concepts, approaches and experiences from the field.
[online, 04.10.2023-04.10.2023, (W-WRD 36/14)]
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT MS2103
Institutional support: RVO:68378025
Keywords : gender dimension * food systems * intersectionality
OECD category: Sociology

In food systems research as well as in other research areas, a gendered perspective is key to better understand and address the structural conditions and inequalities that are inherent in these systems. There is still a research gap with regard to context-specific gender-differentiated data. Besides gender, other social categories, such as age, education, socio-economic/health status, determine whether actors in food systems have access to various resources or face barriers. This requires a broader gender-transformative and intersectional approach, enabling to uncover intersecting relations of power and inequality.
In my presentation, I will first outline important concepts, such as gender, gender-based violence and structural discrimination, empowerment, and intersectionality. I will then introduce methodological approaches how to integrate gender and intersectionality in research, in the context of food systems and governance of natural resources, with specific focus on access to land and other resources as well as participation of women, youth and marginalised groups. This will be illustrated drawing on case studies from participatory transdisciplinary action research in different geographical contexts in Europe, East and West Africa, sharing experiences and learnings from the field.
Meaningful research and action for achieving sustainable food systems and well-being of individuals and communities must be based on an understanding of the broader historical, political, social, economic, cultural and environmental conditions and the local context. The role and positionality of researchers are key in these research processes, with transparent, ethical and respectful relationships being core values that should apply to all research activities and collaborations.

Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0348742