CONTENT SUMMARY
Brief Description: The five tools presented in this report are designed to study how gender affects three categories of behavior related to upgrading: money management, business practices, and value chain relationships. Upgrading involves innovations or investments within a value chain that respond to changing market conditions and new market opportunities to maintain the competitiveness of that value chain. Analyzing the current behaviors of men and women offers a window for identifying gender-based constraints to upgrading, and approaches to promoting upgrading activities that are inclusive of and benefit both men and women.
Uses: This tool helps users to better understand how gender conditions, behaviors, and practices (and ultimately the overall dynamics of value chains) can help practitioners to:
- Identify interventions that are more tailored to women’s needs.
- Reduce the risks for women participating in the value chains.
- Improve the overall functioning, growth, and competitiveness of value chains.
Tool Components: The report contains five tools:
- Focus Group Discussion Guide: Gendered Roles and Responsibilities in a Value Chain
- Focus Group Discussion Guide: Examining Value Chain Relationships
- Individual Interview Guide
- Research Plan Outline and Example
- Facilitation Guide for Consultative Workshops with Field Partners (with example)
OPERATIONS
Number of Staff Required: Not specified; the example provided in the report requires two primary researchers who are supported by logistics staff and translators in each country.
Time: This will vary depending on the scope of the research. The example research plan provided included two weeks per country for data collection.
Cost of Assessment: The budget will vary; the report provides some example line items for the local budget, including logistics coordinator honorarium, translator fees, transport costs, and snacks for focus group discussion participants.
Training: Not specified; one or two experienced researchers could likely use these tools without training.
Geographic Targeting: The value chain selected for analysis will define the geographic areas included in the research.
Type of Data Collection: The tools use focus group discussions and individual interviews.
Degree of Technical Difficulty: The five tools provided are detailed and clearly explained. Staff members with prior qualitative assessment experience will likely find this guide easy to follow.
Complements other Resources: These tools focus on gathering qualitative data. Quantitative data on related topics could be a useful complement.