In Samene, Mali how do assets and access influence livelihood diversification between genders? Women in Samene are more likely to participate in a diverse range of livelihood activities within the farming sector compared to men who are more likely to be involved in non-farm activities. Men earn substantially more than women in all activities except for farming. Women and men hold their assets differently; women tend to have strong natural assets whereas men have stronger physical and financial assets. Access for men and women to livelihood options depends on different factors; for women one of the main factors is the traditional gender division of labor.