Communication and Gender, essential links in agricultural value chains

Abstract

As a component of the Project "Support to the Cocoa production chain in the Rural East-Guantánamo", an investigation was carried out with the objective of carrying out a participatory diagnosis of rural communication with a gender equity approach as a platform for the development of the Cocoa value chain in the Baracoa municipality. In this qualitative research of Participatory Action, the historical-logical, analytical-synthetic methods, theoretical modeling, documentary analysis, field observations, interview and other specific techniques for gender analysis are applied. As a result, despite the significant economic-productive contribution of rural women, their work remains insufficiently visible in formal statistics. Subordination patterns and macho approaches persist; and although they have won some recognition in areas of political participation, nevertheless, an active presence in decision-making spaces lacks yet; as well as more affordable sources of employment for their womanhood, and actions that promote higher gender equality.