Twenty-five years of research on women farmers in Africa: Lessons and implications for agricultural research institutions

Abstract

In this paper, the author uses existing literature to examine the causes of lacking technology adoption in the area of improved Maize among women farmers in Africa. Studies ultimately indicate that households and gender roles are extremely complex and varied across Africa, and cannot be simplified or reduced. However it is apparent that lack of access to inputs such as labor and land, as well as differences in priorities of outputs, cause reluctance among women farmers to adopt new technologies. Technologies may also alter the dynamics of household decision making and bargaining power.