Gender dynamics in Vietnam’s forage seed system: barriers, opportunities, and empowerment pathways

This study focuses on the gendered dynamics within Vietnam's forage seed system, examining how cultural norms, resource access, and market participation influence women's involvement in forage production and adoption. Despite the crucial role women play in agricultural activities, including livestock management and forage cropping, their contributions are often marginalized due to deeply ingrained social and cultural norms. These norms limit women’s access to resources, decision-making power, and participation in key areas such as seed purchasing, breeding and commercialization. The study highlights the challenges women face, including limited access to capital and technology, and the sociocultural barriers that restrict their involvement in formal seed markets, pushing them toward informal systems that hinder the adoption of improved forage varieties. Moreover, our research also identifies pathways for empowerment, particularly through the adoption of labor-efficient forage technologies that reduce physical labor and time and improve productivity. International organizations and government projects play a critical role in promoting gender-responsive approaches and empowering women through inclusive agricultural models. The study underscores the importance of addressing structural inequalities and providing targeted interventions, such as flexible training programs and inclusive market strategies, to enhance women’s inclusion in the forage seed system, strengthen their agency in decision-making, and ultimately contribute to their empowerment.