Mixed-methods gender analysis country report, Zimbabwe: Building Equitable Climate Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS)

Agriculture remains a crucial pillar of livelihoods, food security, and economic development in Zimbabwe; however, it is increasingly threatened by climatic variability, including irregular rainfall, extended dry spells, and rising temperatures. This report presents findings from a gender-responsive baseline survey conducted under the Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS) initiative across Mutoko, Murehwa, and Mutasa districts. Employing a mixed-methods approach that involved a household survey of 123 farmers, along with focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the study examined gender-differentiated engagement, access to resources, and resilience within bean, fruit tree, and insect value chains. The results reveal that smallholder agricultural systems are predominantly mixed and subsistence-oriented, with increasing vulnerability to climate-related hazards that diminish productivity, income stability, and food security.
The results reveal significant gender disparities in access to productive resources, market participation, and decision-making. Women play an essential role in agricultural activities, especially in planting, weeding, harvesting, and local marketing, and they are more involved in subsistence and informal market systems. However, they continue to face barriers in obtaining land, farm inputs, extension services, and formal market access. Men, on the other hand, are more integrated into economic value chains, input systems, and institutional networks. Although land ownership levels seem equal, differences in land use, social network participation, and access to services point to underlying inequality. The study also shows that, despite relatively high awareness of climate-smart behaviours and agro-weather information, effective utilization remains limited by restricted access to supporting technology, financial resources, and inclusive delivery systems.
Despite these constraints, farmers demonstrate adaptive flexibility through strategies such as crop diversification, mulching, water conservation, and adjusting planting schedules. Emerging opportunities exist within integrated value chains, especially in beans, fruit trees, and insect-based industries, as well as via farmer groups and digital communication channels supported by youth. However, realizing these potentials requires targeted, gender-sensitive approaches. The research recommends expanding access to resources and markets for women, improving extension and agro-weather information systems, scaling up climate-smart technologies, and fostering inclusive growth in the value chain. Additionally, investments in youth participation and the development of industries like insect farming are essential for unlocking innovation and creating resilient, sustainable, and equitable agri-food systems in Zimbabwe.