GENDER STEREOTYPES, ADVOCACY AND LIVELIHOOD CHOICES: A CASE STUDY OF FARMERS IN THE UPPER EAST REGION

Abstract

Gender stereotypes influence the livelihood choices of agricultural households in many developing countries, such as Ghana. Many gender-sensitive development organizations have recommended the need for advocacy campaigns and sensitizations as a means of addressing gender stereotypes in society. But empirical evidence of how advocacy efforts shape gender stereotypes and livelihood choices are scanty. The study sought to identify the factors driving gender stereotypical attitudes in farm and off-farm livelihood activities and evaluate the effect of stakeholders' participation in advocacy campaigns on those stereotypes. To achieve this objective, econometric approaches involving the ordered logit model as well as the endogenous switching regression models were fitted to both assess the drivers of gender stereotypes as well as the impact of participation in advocacy programmes on these stereotypes. Using primary data collected from 400 respondents from the Talensi and Nabdam districts, the results showed that individual and household-level factors such as age, education, and access to agricultural extension services substantially affect the degree of gender stereotyping. Specifically, the elderly and farmers with more agricultural extension contacts are associated with a reduction in gender stereotype scores, suggesting that exposure to progressive agricultural practices and education may challenge traditional gender roles. The study also showed that participation in advocacy campaign programmes has significant effect on reducing the incidence of gender stereotypes. Participants in advocacy groups demonstrate a notable average treatment effect on their gender stereotype scores compared to non participants. Therefore, interventions should focus on enhancing access to education and advocacy programmes to further dismantle entrenched stereotypes and empower both men and women in their agricultural endeavours.