The Genesis and Performance of Gender Focal Person Structures in Rwanda and Uganda National Agricultural Organisations: A Critique

Margaret Najjingo Mangheni, Peace Musiimenta, Brenda Boonabaana and Hale Ann Tufan
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Margaret Najjingo Mangheni: Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University, Kampala 7062, Uganda
Peace Musiimenta: School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University, Kampala 7062, Uganda
Brenda Boonabaana: Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere University, Kampala 7062, Uganda
Hale Ann Tufan: Department of Global Development, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-18

Abstract: Gender Focal Persons (GFPs) are commonly recruited by organisations as part of institutional efforts to mainstream gender. Despite their wide usage, these structures often struggle to achieve the intended goals. The underlying factors that explain their limited success are not well understood; yet, this would inform strategies for institutionalising gender in research institutions. This paper traces the genesis and operationalisation of the gender focal person structures in Rwanda and Uganda national agricultural research organisations, to unearth factors influencing their performance. Results presented are based on document reviews and qualitative interviews with scientists, managers, and GFPs in the two organisations. We found that the GFPs hinged on individuals and donors, and operated in an ad hoc manner without streamlined procedures. The structures were not embedded in institutional frameworks, hence their low visibility within the organisations. They were characterized by informality, voluntarism, unclear terms of reference, and accountability frameworks. We conclude that the ineffective performance of the GFPs in both organisations is explained by the informal approach used to establish, operationalise, and nurture them. Institutionalising the structure would require that the pioneering champions and donors successfully negotiate the embedding of GFPs into the mainstream; eventually, guaranteeing allocation of adequate human and financial resources from national budgets, as well as the establishment of accountability systems.

Keywords: gender mainstreaming; gender units; institutionalisation of gender; agricultural research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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