Beyond gender-aware: Data for gender action in Ethiopia March 9, 2016 James Warner—Research Coordinator Leulsegged Kasa—Research Officer Research for Ethiopia’s Agricultural Policy (REAP) 

Overview Review National-Level Data on Irrigation--AgSS Discuss Weaknesses of Current Survey Design—significant data gaps, FHH is not representative of all women Suggest Improvements—Collect relevant data!, FHH—lack assets, Female Spouses—lack influence and control Way Forward

I. Review of Irrigation—AgSS Data 1—Irrigation use is low (<10%), 2—MHH > FHH for use, 3—Varies by region, 4—FHH more intensive but less land use

II. What’s wrong with the data/presentation? Not very much detail—yes/no, land quality/land area, no decision making, types of irrigation technology, etc. Survey was designed for measuring production not gender—Issues of inequality, gender issues, targeting FHH not considered Survey identifies head of household—draws information only from this source. Where are the female spouses?

Consequence of asset shortage—share crop out land IIa. Specifically target FHHs in Surveys with proper context—FHH do not have assets FHH have a lack of time, labor, education, and other assets. Institutions (extension, credit) target asset holders (ie. men). Consequence of asset shortage—share crop out land Data From 400 HH ATA survey in Amhara Region

IIb. Consequences for FHH Labor intensive interventions more difficult for women—(ATA/IFPRI developing what constitutes female friendly technologies) Complementary inputs may be needed—availability is not adoption, partial adoption—lower productivity—(provide credit, complete tech. package). Community cultural norms and practices—difficult to explicitly identify but critical for adoption (eg. women plowing with oxen).

IIc. Issues to consider female spouses—Influence/Control Women do not control assets within MHH but do in FHH Here, less than 9% of female spouses control loans, but over 80% do so in FHH 2012 ATA baseline data

IIc. Why ask female spouses? May get different Answers! Typically one member of the household is interviewed (usually household head). Need to ask relevant family members concerning research questions for their perception (eg. women, children). Forthcoming ATA/IFPRI survey on credit issues, reveals different responses by men and women to the same activity. Different levels of understanding on their own specific activities.

IIc. Spouses have different activities/responsibilities Women Men 93 HHs in Amhara—2015 IVS Survey

III. How to design better Gender Surveys Plan surveys with women not for them. Undertake women-only group discussions with female enumerators. Qualitative research is critical but accurate quantitative research is also important. Ethiopian policy is moving towards—Evidence based research. Before potential intervention—review research on gender and gender Issues in irrigation—Too many interventions are gender blind but then the effects are not gender neutral. Be considerate of women’s overall lack of time with survey questions (double burden). Don’t be left AFTER the intervention wondering why women are not participating.

III. Specifics of Research Design Begin with qualitative survey. Talk to women in the target intervention group. Design questionnaire and field test. Revise. Separate men and women when asking questions Plan a reasonable sample size--particularly sub-groups. Stratify Samples (How many of each group). --Target FHHs, particularly if relatively uncommon. --Female spouses, ask them a limited number of questions Female enumerators/local experts.

IV. Way forward for data collection and use REVIEW—Ask local experts, obtain existing available data, and current research concerning women and irrigation, international and national experiences. DEVELOP—Develop solid surveys with good research design IMPLEMENT—Hire experienced enumerators, reasonable sample size, check data for accuracy and SHARE/PROMOTE—Seek out venues for presenting information. Work with others and experience share. REVISE—Update your interventions to reflect new information.

Thank you! Additional Information: James Warner—Research Coordinator j.warner@cgiar.edu 0911 50 12 06 Research for Ethiopia’s Agricultural Policy (REAP): http://reap.ifpri.info/