By Conrad Mwanawashe
THE Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology is facilitating transformation in smallholder farmer schemes ensuring that previously marginalized groups benefit from irrigation schemes and market-oriented value chains.
GALS is being implemented under the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalization Programme (SIRP) and Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP), two programs in which government has partnered with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and farmers, according to the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri.
In a speech read on his behalf by Nicky Gundidza at a GALS Roundtable held in Harare, Prof Jiri said some of the positive impacts that have been observed in the targeted communities included redistribution of household labour which has led to a more equitable division of responsibilities.
Furthermore, stakeholders, communities, and targeted beneficiaries were being educated about the potential for Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the agricultural value chain and strategies to mitigate such incidents.
“There is an emphasis on ensuring joint access to and control over productive resources between men and women. On collaborative decision-making: The approach encourages joint decision-making within households, fostering equality. Initiatives such as solar-powered irrigation systems and nutrition gardens are being developed, alongside mechanisation of post-harvest technologies like multigrain threshers to alleviate women’s workload,” Prof Jiri said.
He said government anticipates that the gender transformation within the rehabilitated irrigation schemes will positively impact the livelihoods of farmers involved.
“However, true transformation can only occur if a significant number of farmers adopt this methodology to enhance household and community production, productivity, aggregation, and inclusive market-oriented value chains. This will ultimately lead to increased incomes, greater opportunities for value addition, and the development of agribusiness value chains,” added Prof Jiri.
Tobias Makozho and his wife, Dzanisai Manenji, went through the GALS training and have since realised the transformative impact of the program.
They come from Banga Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo.
Their yields have since improved because they now work together, making decisions together and sharing different chores.
Makozho is now able to fend for his family.
“I was always intoxicated and could not have any meaningful discussion with my wife. Most of the times I would turn violent under the influence of alcohol,” said Makozho.
“We used to harvest about five bags from our 0.1 hectares but after the GALS training, we’re happy that we’re now harvesting about 20 bags from the same plot. I’m now a lead farmer and I move around sharing good agricultural practices and gender issues with fellow farmers,” he added.
The SIRP commenced in 2016 and will conclude in 2024, focusing on irrigation schemes in Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland South, and Midlands provinces, aiming to benefit 27,500 households (50% women; 30% youth). Meanwhile, the SACP will run from June 2021 to December 2027, targeting 78,240 beneficiaries with similar demographic goals across Mashonaland East, West, Central, Midlands, and Matabeleland North.
“I’m grateful for the program which was introduced by SIRP and IFAD. We’re now food secure as a result of the training which changed our way of living. We now live in harmony with my husband. No more fights,” said Manenji.
“We were very poor and we didn’t have livestock to use as draught power. Life was tough but this program has changed us. After the GALS training we managed to build a family home and we now have a herd of ten cattle and a scotch cart. Our children are now in school,” she added with a beaming smile.
