Qualitative Study on Barriers to the Empowerment of Women and Youth and Social Norms Affecting the Adoption of Improved Rice Seeds in Rural Areas of Togo

Yeo, P.A.; Ndindeng, S.A.; Yergo, W.G.; Labih, A.P.; Soule, B.A.; Arouna, Aminou

Qualitative Study on Barriers to the Empowerment of Women and Youth and Social Norms Affecting the Adoption of Improved Rice Seeds in Rural Areas of Togo

Autores

Editor

Africa Rice Center

Descripción

From August 23 to 26, 2025, a qualitative study was conducted in the localities of Djagblé and Kovié in the Rural areas of Togo as part of the CGIAR Scaling for Impact program. The study aimed to analyze the barriers to the Empowerment of Women and Youth and Social Norms Affecting the Adoption of Improved Rice Seeds in Rural Areas of Togo. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions, small group interviews, and semi-structured individual interviews, involving a total of 55 agricultural stakeholders, including producers, group leaders, and community authorities. The findings show that women play a central role in all stages of rice production, from contract farming and field maintenance to harvesting and marketing. They also participate in product distribution, yet their representation in decision-making bodies remains limited, and their autonomy largely depends on financial resources and family or community support. Despite their active involvement, social norms and customary practices restrict women’s access to land and credit, limiting their ability to scale up agricultural and commercial activities. Youth face similar constraints. Their participation in agricultural decision-making is often contingent on perceived experience and resource management capacity, confining them to secondary tasks. This situation limits their long-term engagement in rice production and the acquisition of advanced farming practices. Regarding the adoption of improved seeds, social norms and community perceptions play a crucial role. Women and youth often cannot make independent decisions about seed acquisition without the approval of the household head or elders, and access to seeds is constrained by availability, distribution channels, and technical knowledge. Technical support and training are essential to build confidence and mastery in using improved seeds, while the use of digital tools for agricultural information dissemination remains limited. These results highlight that effective empowerment of women and youth in the rice value chain requires greater inclusion in decision-making, improved access to productive resources and credit, and strengthened technical and entrepreneurial capacities. Sustainable adoption of improved seeds also requires addressing social norms and enhancing the availability of technologies and information. The study underscores the need for integrated strategies combining financial support, training, technical assistance, and community sensitization to ensure the sustainable inclusion of women and youth in the rice value chains of Djagblé and Kovié.