Gambian women: Unequal partners in rice development projects?

Abstract Agricultural development projects usually channel inputs to male household heads on the assumption that they control the land, labour, crops and finances. This assumption is challenged for the Mandinka: women cultivate rainfed rice, having ownership or use‐rights to rice land, while men control upland and grow groundnuts and millets. Both cultivate household and personal crops. Three development projects introduced irrigated rice to men who therefore control this land and crop. Failure to involve women in rice development schemes has not only increased their economic dependence on men but is also a major reason for deficiencies in these projects and low national rice production. Notes Jennie Dey is currently taking part in an Overseas Development Administration team drawing up a national food supply strategy for The Gambia. This paper is based on research carried out in the Mandinka village of Saruja, MacCarthy Island Division, between March 1977‐November 1978, with two visits of three weeks each in March 1976 and March 1980.