Technical report : gender and the agricultural innovation system in rural Afghanistan; barriers and bridges

Abstract

This report provides a review of the project to enable better understanding of women’s roles within agricultural value chains. Saffron has been under-studied from a systems perspective and is a viable product to replace poppy as a key income-generating product for farmers in Afghanistan. Based on an in-depth study of the saffron value chain / innovation system, and with a focus on gender, it should be possible to apply the tested framework to other agricultural products. Despite organizational and institutional constraints, there are a number of opportunities for women entrepreneurs in general, and women saffron producers in particular.