Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture No. 4/13
Women, Social Capital and Collective Action –
The Case of NERICA Rice Technology in Benin
Claudia Schroeder and Manfred Zeller
University of Hohenheim, Germany
Afiavi R. Agboh-Noameshie
Africa Rice Center, Cotonou, Benin
Abstract
Women rice farmers in Africa are often constrained in accessing resources and technologies
adapted to their requirements. AfricaRice has targeted women in disseminating
NERICA to consider their needs. Along with top-down strategies, also processes that
strengthen women rice growers at the grassroots are essential. Farmer groups’ social
relation networks and collective action might open opportunities for women.
This qualitative case study examines the interplay of technology adoption, social capital,
collective action and women’s empowerment by focusing on women’s perceptions in
the context of NERICA in Benin.
Findings show that social capital and collective action enhance women’s economic
and social position and their personal advancement. The study indicates what kind
of external support might be useful to exploit, in the best possible way, the potential
of collective action as a means for promoting women’s holistic development. The
results can help in the design of strategies for women’s empowerment within NERICA
dissemination activities.
Keywords: Benin, women, collective action, social capital, NERICA
JEL: Q16, Q19
Vol. 52 (2013), No. 4: 329-356