Women's Economic Empowerment
CARE International Foundation Switzerland-Sudan The Value Chain of Groundnut, Tomatoes, Hides and Skins in South and East Darfur and South Korofan States – Sudan
There was a value chain study in the year 2016 covering East and South Darfur and South Kordofan States targeting three commodities namely groundnut, skins and hides and tomatoes. Although in the last four years, the country has witnessed a tremendous change in different livelihoods aspects, the 2016 study constitutes a baseline bench mark and give glimpse to the current research. For the validation of the aforesaid study, a careful understanding of the methodology, findings and recommendations are well undertaken to reveal the similarities and differences between the two studies. Read More...
Technical Feasibility Study for Establishing a Mango Pulp Processing Plant in South Kordofan
This technical consultancy is commissioned to assess the viability of a multi-fruit processing facility in South Kordofan region. This region is mango-rich where 35% of all Sudanese mangos originate and therefore a process- ing facility would sit at the heart of the raw material source. Operational best-practices generally promote value-addition facilities to be located either closer to the end user or at the raw material source.
The feasibility study included extensive secondary research on the subject as well as an intensive element of primary research that included field work across South Kordofan (Kadogly, Rashaad, Tandik and Abu Jubeiha), interviews with KIIs, focus groups with farmers, traders & women associations and observational assessments. The analysis of the data and information was enriched by engagement with the supply chain who guided the team to design the appropriate value chain that is conducive to the environment.
This research recommends the adoption of the dormant Tandik facility for the fruit processing facility. Our architectural team have analysed the data and information and trust the Tandik site would require investment to upgrade the facility, but it provides a substantial launch pad for the project to have a near-ready facility. Moreover, the authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture at Kadogly, Rashaad and Abu Jubeiha localities, have all endorsed the adoption of this site and are willing to champion tax and rent concessions for the operator. Read More...
The feasibility study included extensive secondary research on the subject as well as an intensive element of primary research that included field work across South Kordofan (Kadogly, Rashaad, Tandik and Abu Jubeiha), interviews with KIIs, focus groups with farmers, traders & women associations and observational assessments. The analysis of the data and information was enriched by engagement with the supply chain who guided the team to design the appropriate value chain that is conducive to the environment.
This research recommends the adoption of the dormant Tandik facility for the fruit processing facility. Our architectural team have analysed the data and information and trust the Tandik site would require investment to upgrade the facility, but it provides a substantial launch pad for the project to have a near-ready facility. Moreover, the authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture at Kadogly, Rashaad and Abu Jubeiha localities, have all endorsed the adoption of this site and are willing to champion tax and rent concessions for the operator. Read More...
Step Up to Empower Women and End Violence Value Chain and IGA Analysis
This study was conducted in order to assess the socio-economic situation in the project-targeted area and identify potential opportunities for women to participate in far-reaching value chains. This has been done through identifying potential cash crops and their value chains to support women to benefit from; and create clear pathways to participate. In addition to that, the study aims to identify potential key income generating activities mainly for girls and women. The study was conducted for CARE International in Sudan within the project of “Step Up to Empower Women and End Violence” (SEEV) being implemented in Abujibiha and Rashad localities in South Kordofan.
The methodology was based on secondary data collected from the project documents and the reports from relevant government institutions. The primary data formed the backbone of the report and was collected through direct fieldwork that involved Focused Group Discussion (FGDs), Semi Structured Interviews (SSI), Key Informants (KI) and questionnaire administered in seven communities that were sampled covering a total sample size of 600 households. In addition to that, Information sources included women groups, CBOs, project stakeholders and Value Chain actors at markets and production sites.
The main findings of the study indicated that the households’ demographic characteristics are typical for rural households. Illiteracy rates are as high as 29.5% at Tandik in Rashad locality. This will need to be considered in extension messages and delivery of the extension activities, especially in Gabarouna and Taypa in Abujibiha and Tandik in Rashad localities.
Farming constitutes the main livelihood mainstay for households in the targeted area and the main source of income; however, Abujibiha households adopt other sources of income compared to Rashad. More than 60% aof people in the two localities own the land that they cultivate, while 30% of the two localities cannot cultivate all the land they have because they have no resources to do this.
The crops selected for value chain especially sorghum, sesame and groundnut are found to be strategic in relation to food security as well as sources of income. The estimated percentage sold reached 56%, 90% and 64% for the crops respectively in Abujibiha and 46%, 80% and 68% for Rashad locality. There is a need to focus on making the agricultural system more effective and improving agricultural production process through addressing each of the issues stated as explained with details in the report.
Results proved that the farming activities of the selected crops for value chain are not noticeably different between the two localities; however, minor differences exist as indicated by soil characteristics or some specific culture (a group may prefer to grow specific crop). Farming is dominated by womenm where almost 70% of the farming practiced at Bildat (rainy season and winter season) and Gubraka is practiced by women. This is true of sorghum, groundnut, cow pea, and pumpkin. The study revealed that components of agricultural production system, including seed sources, farming practices and storage, in addition to promotion of financing services represent entrance for improving production process, the quality and increasing productivity. Organizing farmers mainly women in production groups and enhancing agricultural extension and agricultural protection through demonstrations and adoption of Integrated Pest Management approach are considered as promising means and added value in relation decreasing loss in harvest. Sorghum, groundnut and sesame cultivation found to be rewarding and contributing remarkably to women income. This is because women dominate cultivation of these crops at Bildat farms (small farms close to villages). Vegetables and other crops grown at Gubraka level also contribute to household food security as well as income.
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The methodology was based on secondary data collected from the project documents and the reports from relevant government institutions. The primary data formed the backbone of the report and was collected through direct fieldwork that involved Focused Group Discussion (FGDs), Semi Structured Interviews (SSI), Key Informants (KI) and questionnaire administered in seven communities that were sampled covering a total sample size of 600 households. In addition to that, Information sources included women groups, CBOs, project stakeholders and Value Chain actors at markets and production sites.
The main findings of the study indicated that the households’ demographic characteristics are typical for rural households. Illiteracy rates are as high as 29.5% at Tandik in Rashad locality. This will need to be considered in extension messages and delivery of the extension activities, especially in Gabarouna and Taypa in Abujibiha and Tandik in Rashad localities.
Farming constitutes the main livelihood mainstay for households in the targeted area and the main source of income; however, Abujibiha households adopt other sources of income compared to Rashad. More than 60% aof people in the two localities own the land that they cultivate, while 30% of the two localities cannot cultivate all the land they have because they have no resources to do this.
The crops selected for value chain especially sorghum, sesame and groundnut are found to be strategic in relation to food security as well as sources of income. The estimated percentage sold reached 56%, 90% and 64% for the crops respectively in Abujibiha and 46%, 80% and 68% for Rashad locality. There is a need to focus on making the agricultural system more effective and improving agricultural production process through addressing each of the issues stated as explained with details in the report.
Results proved that the farming activities of the selected crops for value chain are not noticeably different between the two localities; however, minor differences exist as indicated by soil characteristics or some specific culture (a group may prefer to grow specific crop). Farming is dominated by womenm where almost 70% of the farming practiced at Bildat (rainy season and winter season) and Gubraka is practiced by women. This is true of sorghum, groundnut, cow pea, and pumpkin. The study revealed that components of agricultural production system, including seed sources, farming practices and storage, in addition to promotion of financing services represent entrance for improving production process, the quality and increasing productivity. Organizing farmers mainly women in production groups and enhancing agricultural extension and agricultural protection through demonstrations and adoption of Integrated Pest Management approach are considered as promising means and added value in relation decreasing loss in harvest. Sorghum, groundnut and sesame cultivation found to be rewarding and contributing remarkably to women income. This is because women dominate cultivation of these crops at Bildat farms (small farms close to villages). Vegetables and other crops grown at Gubraka level also contribute to household food security as well as income.
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Sawtahaa (Her Voice) in Peacebuilding and Recovery Actions Final Evaluation
The longstanding cultural practices across Sudan often exclude women from decision making, even in issues of direct concern to them, such as early marriage and FGM. This report builds on CARE's efforts in the context of the “Sawtahaa” project to analyse women's situation in the post conflict processes and to enhance transformative change in three areas, namely: structure, relations and agency. This was directed to enhance women's role in decision making and in addressing issues of direct concern to them.
The Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund (DCPSF) was launched in 2007 to help facilitate peacebuilding by restoring the capacity and authority of traditional community-based conflict resolution mechanism and to enhance the delivery of economic and basic social services by implementing a number of community-based activities.
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The Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund (DCPSF) was launched in 2007 to help facilitate peacebuilding by restoring the capacity and authority of traditional community-based conflict resolution mechanism and to enhance the delivery of economic and basic social services by implementing a number of community-based activities.
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Gender-Sensitive Conflict Analysis in South and East Darfur States, Sudan, 2022
CARE International in Sudan is implementing the project “Enhancing resilience through improved food security, disaster risk reduction and peaceful co-existence in South and East Darfur states, Sudan” (1 September 2021 – 31 August 2025) through funding from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project addresses the specific needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities of women, youth, and persons with disabilities to strengthen their resilience to buffer, adapt, and respond to future shocks at an individual, family, and community levels. This gender sensitive conflict analysis in East and South Darfur – representing eight villages – is to understand the causes, power and gender dynamics, and actors of conflicts in the project area.
The conflict in Darfur is escalating rapidly, with eight times more people killed and displaced in 2021 than in 2020. Inflation rose by 359% in 2021. Climate change—marked by devastating floods and prolonged droughts—combined with food insecurity and a lack of services leaves people feeling violence is their only choice.
A profoundly unequal and harmful set of social norms that do not value women, and even refer to them as vessels of the devil, coupled with laws that do not protect women and their rights, are pushing many burdens of this crisis onto women. A common saying is, “Almara mamlouka ela malak Almout” or “A woman is owned to death.” As the situation gets more extreme and livelihoods and service get scarcer, women are more likely to be working outside the home to help meet family needs. Men have not increased their involvement in household chores and childcare to compensate for these shifts—leaving women with even higher burdens than before. The shifts in women having to work outside the home have not translated into corresponding improvements in women’s rights, engagement in politics, or access to public life.
This research draws from 20 focus groups and 20 Key Informant Interviews that represent the views of 193 people (45% of whom were women) in eight villages in July of 2022. It also looks at 44 secondary sources.
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The conflict in Darfur is escalating rapidly, with eight times more people killed and displaced in 2021 than in 2020. Inflation rose by 359% in 2021. Climate change—marked by devastating floods and prolonged droughts—combined with food insecurity and a lack of services leaves people feeling violence is their only choice.
A profoundly unequal and harmful set of social norms that do not value women, and even refer to them as vessels of the devil, coupled with laws that do not protect women and their rights, are pushing many burdens of this crisis onto women. A common saying is, “Almara mamlouka ela malak Almout” or “A woman is owned to death.” As the situation gets more extreme and livelihoods and service get scarcer, women are more likely to be working outside the home to help meet family needs. Men have not increased their involvement in household chores and childcare to compensate for these shifts—leaving women with even higher burdens than before. The shifts in women having to work outside the home have not translated into corresponding improvements in women’s rights, engagement in politics, or access to public life.
This research draws from 20 focus groups and 20 Key Informant Interviews that represent the views of 193 people (45% of whom were women) in eight villages in July of 2022. It also looks at 44 secondary sources.
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ETUDE DE BASE PROJET ESPOIR POUR ‘‘L’INSERTION SOCIO-ECONOMIQUE DES FEMMES/FILLES DES CAEF’’
Dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du projet ESPOIR pour l’Appui à l’initiation à l’entreprenariat et à la structuration des apprenantes des Centres d’Autonomisation des Femmes de Kaloum-Cameroun-Mamou exécuté par CARE et financé par l’Agence Belge de Développement-ENABEL et sera exécuté en partenariat avec AID, et la DGCAEF. S’il est évident que les résultats de l’étude serviront à mesurer l’impact du projet, il convient de rappeler que l’objectif de cette étude est de recueillir dans la zone du projet, des données fiables permettant de déterminer la situation de référence dans les communautés ciblées au démarrage du projet ESPOIR afin de pouvoir apprécier les changements produits au terme de sa mise en œuvre contractuelle.
Les apprenantes bénéficiaires directes des CAEF et leurs chefs de ménages, les populations (hommes et femmes) bénéficiaires indirects et les partenaires de mise en œuvre ont constitués les principales cibles de l’étude qui a été réalisée en avril 2022. L’étude a démarré avec la conception des outils de collecte, puis a suivi la formation des agents de collecte, y compris leurs superviseurs ; ensuite la collecte à proprement dire des données quantitatives et qualitatives dans les régions de Mamou et Conakry (Kaloum et Dixinn).
En termes d’approche méthodologique, la mission tire ses constats des entretiens approfondis individuels et de ménages, et auprès de plusieurs groupes de discussion au sein des communautés ciblées (des groupes hommes et femmes dont des groupes homogènes d’adultes et des jeunes) avec les différents partenaires ; en termes d’entretiens individuels et de ménages les enquêtes ont touché 195 personnes (dont 117 apprenantes et 96 chefs/cheffes de ménages).
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Les apprenantes bénéficiaires directes des CAEF et leurs chefs de ménages, les populations (hommes et femmes) bénéficiaires indirects et les partenaires de mise en œuvre ont constitués les principales cibles de l’étude qui a été réalisée en avril 2022. L’étude a démarré avec la conception des outils de collecte, puis a suivi la formation des agents de collecte, y compris leurs superviseurs ; ensuite la collecte à proprement dire des données quantitatives et qualitatives dans les régions de Mamou et Conakry (Kaloum et Dixinn).
En termes d’approche méthodologique, la mission tire ses constats des entretiens approfondis individuels et de ménages, et auprès de plusieurs groupes de discussion au sein des communautés ciblées (des groupes hommes et femmes dont des groupes homogènes d’adultes et des jeunes) avec les différents partenaires ; en termes d’entretiens individuels et de ménages les enquêtes ont touché 195 personnes (dont 117 apprenantes et 96 chefs/cheffes de ménages).
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Gender Norms Study: Women-led Micro and Small Businesses – Peru
Social Norms are the rules that govern behavior. Gender norms are social norms defining acceptable and appropriate actions for women and men in a given group or society. They are embedded in formal and informal institutions, nested in the mind, and produced and reproduced through social interaction. They play a role in shaping women and men’s (often unequal) access to resources and freedoms, thus affecting their voice, power, and sense of self. The purpose of this study was to identify gender barriers, perceptions and factors that limit shared responsibility in the home and which influence the low participation of men in domestic and care work. Read More...
Gender Norms Study: Women-led Micro and Small Businesses – Pakistan
Social Norms are the rules that govern behavior. Gender norms are social norms defining acceptable and appropriate actions for women and men in a given group or society. They are embedded in formal and informal institutions, nested in the mind, and produced and reproduced through social interaction. They play a role in shaping women's and men’s (often unequal) access to resources and freedoms, thus affecting their voice, power, and sense of self. The purpose of this study was to gain quantitative and qualitative information about gender norms faced by women entrepreneurs in Pakistan related to childcare responsibilities and financial decision-making and responsibility, which impact a woman’s ability to run and grow her own business Read More...
Gender Norms Study: Women-led Micro and Small Businesses – Vietnam
Social Norms are the rules that govern behavior. Gender norms are social norms defining acceptable and appropriate actions for women and men in a given group or society. They are embedded in formal and informal institutions, nested in the mind, and produced and reproduced through social interaction. They play a role in shaping women and men’s (often unequal) access to resources and freedoms, thus affecting their voice, power and sense of self. The purpose of this study was to gain quantitative and qualitative information about social and gender norms affecting women entrepreneurs in Vietnam related to childcare responsibilities, who should be the breadwinner and who is upholding these norms. Read More...
Solar Harnessed Entrepreneurs (SHE) Baseline Assessment: Promoting Productive Use of Energy (PUE) for Women and Girls in Sierra Leone
This report presents findings from a baseline assessment conducted to provide contextual analysis of the Solar Harnessed Entrepreneurs (SHE) project’s target population, capturing initial data against selected indicators in the project Results Framework. The SHE project aims to provide women groups and individual run enterprises with a package of support, including financing for energy-enabled appliances, training in their use and an enhanced market access and linkages with the aim to leverage the new access to energy for business growth. The ideal setting of the project is to cover over 330 newly enabled businesses by engaging 7,120 women, living in Sierra Leone’s mini-grid locations.
Although quantitative data collection was largely used to get primary information using structured questionnaires for personal interviews, the research team also used qualitative methods through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), with respondents drawn from the renewable energy sector/mini-grid power stations. The study also used Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides to interview Project’s target groups and individual women entrepreneurs in the study areas. The coverage of the assessment was to include twenty (20) communities in all seven (7) intervention districts (Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, Pujehun, Kambia, Koinadugu and Bombali), but based on initial targets for the first phase of implementation, only sixteen (16) communities were reached during the assessment.
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Although quantitative data collection was largely used to get primary information using structured questionnaires for personal interviews, the research team also used qualitative methods through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), with respondents drawn from the renewable energy sector/mini-grid power stations. The study also used Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides to interview Project’s target groups and individual women entrepreneurs in the study areas. The coverage of the assessment was to include twenty (20) communities in all seven (7) intervention districts (Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, Pujehun, Kambia, Koinadugu and Bombali), but based on initial targets for the first phase of implementation, only sixteen (16) communities were reached during the assessment.
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