Abstract

Yam production in West Africa is male-dominated, despite the different roles various genders play in its production. This male dominance creates gender inequalities in access to and control over yam production resources, especially where agricultural interventions are not gender-responsive. However, gender is dynamic and gender roles change for sustained yam productivity. A mixed method approach with the use of gender sensitization workshops and a questionnaire survey was used to examine the changing gender roles and social dynamics in seed yam production. Results revealed different genders' awareness of changing gender roles in seed yam production. Changes were because of the project’s interventions and the availability of already existing technologies that enabled men, women, and youth to perform relevant roles. Women and youth were involved in men-dominated roles. Some males allocated fields to their spouses for seed yam production. Women and youth had a stake in decision-making processes on their production activities. Men accepted the need to empower women and youth in seed yam production to complement their efforts in providing for their households. These gender dynamics confirmed changing gender roles. It depicted the importance of gender responsiveness in the development and implementation of agricultural development projects for enhanced productivity and food security.     

Key words: Gender dynamics, gender awareness, changing gender roles, gender responsiveness, seed yam.