Reflections from the Gender & Livestock Data Community of Practice Topics – June 2025

Each month, the Gender & Livestock Data Community of Practice comes together online to explore critical issues - “Topics” - at the intersection of gender and livestock development. These monthly discussions are a vibrant space for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to share experiences, examine data, and collaborate across global contexts. 

Spotlight in June: Women’s Access to Support in Livestock Rearing 

In June, our discussion centred around a crucial question: 
'What types of support are available to women engaged in livestock rearing, and how effective are they in different local contexts? '

Contributors from across the globe chimed in, with particularly rich insights from India, The Gambia, and Malawi. These case studies illuminated how gender-responsive approaches can transform outcomes for women livestock keepers. 

In India, participants shared findings from “Unleashing the Potential of Women Livestock Keepers”, a study that underscored the importance of inclusive husbandry practices. When women are empowered with the right resources and decision-making authority, livestock systems become more productive and equitable. 

Meanwhile, in The Gambia, our experts identified five essential types of support that women in livestock need: 

• Financial (access to credit and income-generating opportunities) 

• Human (training, knowledge, and skills) 

• Social (networks, trust, and collaboration) 

• Physical (tools, infrastructure, and technology) 

• Natural (land, water, and grazing access) 

Of these, social capital stood out as the most powerful enabler—offering women the confidence, connections, and influence needed to fully engage in livestock value chains. 

Participants also reflected on how to enhance the visibility and impact of support programmes, emphasizing the role of community-led initiatives, tailored training, and ongoing data collection. 

Why These Dialogues Matter 

At their core, these discussions are about more than just data—they’re about people. They help surface the lived realities behind livestock systems and bring visibility to the work women are already doing, often with limited recognition or support. 

By learning from one another, we move closer to building livestock systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and grounded in real-world experience. 

If you're working in livestock development or gender-focused research, we invite you to be part of our growing community. Each month, Topics provides a space to: 

• Share insights from your work 

• Learn from global peers 

• Reflect on data and program design 

• Contribute to a more equitable agricultural future 

   

Join the Online Discussion 

👉 Sign up here: https://edin.ac/3EID8C3