A Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology is integrated in the value chain development as enabling empowerment to the local people including poor women and men, by  shared  visions (both individual and collective), challenges and solutions through a simple mapping and diagrams tools ( such as “gender balance tree”).Through a case study on coffee value chain development in Urganda, it is showed a progressive household income of poor farmers, positive change in the property rights, division of labor and economic decision making process at the household and local levels.

Several challenges and dimensions are discussed to address win-win strategies on gender equitable value chain development including i) empowerment methodologies that support for the local very poor farmers and laborers 2) i working with local and national private sector actors and 3) engagement of men in promotion of gender justice, 4) ethnical global value chain development 5) implications and roles of donors and governments in sustainability and upscaling at the different levels. Based on the results of workshop, a protocol will be developed as strategic guidelines to development interventions and agencies (including certification processes) for facilitating gender justice and pro-poor wealth creation in the value chain development.

The piloting community-led value chain development using GALS methodology is part of the Oxfam Novib’s global program on Women’s Empowerment Mainstreaming and Networking (WEMAN) for Gender Justice in Economic Development(www.wemanglobal.org).

Than Thi Hien, Research and Development Manager/Gender Coordinator