ZEF Public Lecture: Leveraging GenderUp and Equity Principles to Transform Scaling Practices in Agricultural Research for Development
January 23, 2025 | 13:30 h - 14:30 h
Online via Zoom, link: https://uni-bonn.zoom-x.de/j/65829836862?pwd=bVAxRnhZV09ZZnk2RkpueUdKTXl4QT09
Speaker: Dr. Erin McGuire, UC Davis, Horticulture Innovation Lab
Title: Leveraging GenderUp and Equity Principles to Transform Scaling Practices in Agricultural Research for Development
Abstract: Scaling innovations in agricultural research for development (AR4D) presents a powerful opportunity to drive social transformation. However, traditional scaling frameworks often overlook the complexities of population heterogeneity, power dynamics, and social differentiation, leading to unintended consequences that exacerbate inequities. This talk will explore the development and application of GenderUp, a novel tool designed to anticipate and address social differentiation during the scaling phase, enabling AR4D actors to achieve more inclusive and impactful outcomes. GenderUp, now widely used across the AR4D community, represents a significant shift towards scaling practices that prioritize equity alongside efficiency.
Insights from the recently developed Equity Principles for Social Transformation will also be highlighted, offering actionable guidance for embedding equity considerations into agricultural innovation systems. These principles are grounded in empirical research and global collaborations, including efforts such as the Global Horticulture Opportunities Study and leadership within the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture. These initiatives emphasize the need for transformative approaches that address biases within AR4D systems while amplifying the voices of marginalized actors.
Recent publications, such as Breaking Biases and Building Momentum, will also be discussed, identifying critical pathways to reimagining AR4D practices through localized, equity-driven frameworks. By connecting theoretical advances with practical tools like GenderUp, this talk provides a roadmap for adopting scaling practices that broaden reach while fostering genuine social transformation.
Papers that might be of interest:
- McGuire, E., Ewell, H., Bailey, A. et al. Breaking biases and building momentum for transforming agricultural research for development practices: recommendations and research opportunities. npj Sustain. Agric. 3, 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-024-00044-y
- McGuire, E., Boa-Alvarado, M., Marina Valencia Leñero, E., Al-Zu’bi, M., Giang Luu, L., & Sylvester, J. (2024). Equity principles for social transformation. Agricultural Systems. Volume 218, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103999.
- McGuire, E., Leeuwis, C., Rietveld, A., & Teeken, B. (2024). Anticipating social differentiation and unintended consequences in scaling initiatives using GenderUp, a method to support responsible scaling. Agricultural Systems. Volume 215, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103866.
Short Bio: Dr. Erin McGuire is the director of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture. In this work McGuire spearheads global research and partnership initiatives aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and fostering community empowerment through horticulture, with a keen focus on nutrition and healthy diets. In this role McGuire oversees 19 different horticultural research projects in East and West Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia, and UC Davis-based research focusing on social network analysis, postharvest management, and informal market value chains. In 2023, she was the chair of all the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Labs helping to generate discussion in the importance of horticulture, local leadership, and gender and social inclusion. She has long-standing relationships with the CGIAR, focusing on innovating and scaling for equitable food systems transformation.
