Understanding gender dynamics for change in smallholder pig value chain development

The pig sector is developing rapidly in Uganda, opening opportunities for smallholders to tap into this developing value chain. The researchers conducted a pig value-chain analysis and identified constraints and opportunities. Smallholders are the majority of stakeholders in the chain. Women play an important role in production: they take care of pigs, feed, water, health and cleaning. But they are scarcely engaged in post- production activities like slaughter, processing and marketing, which are dominated by men. The researchers explored ways for women to get involved in these activities and find out if they can benefit from them. They are piloting pig business hubs to bring farmers and service providers together. They want to find out whether women take part in the hubs and if they benefit from doing so. The hubs focused on feed are open for both men and women, but those working on markets are contentious because men seem to dominate. The researchers want to work with partners to help create an open space for women in these hubs. Interview with Emily Ouma (ILRI) for the book "A different kettle of fish? Gender integration in livestock and fish research". http://hdl.handle.net/10568/76684