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Abstract
Gender dynamics shape and influence the nature of participation in, as well as the
ability to benefit from, seed and ware potato markets in Malawi. 35 sex-disaggregated
focus group discussions with farmers and 4 interviews with extension officers were
conducted in Dedza and Ntcheu districts. Data on seed marketing and purchase, ware
potato marketing, affordability, marketing decisions, and clients, as well as social norms
and values that influence market participation by men and women were collected and
analyzed using the Real Markets Approach focusing on social relations within markets.
Results demonstrate that agricultural market interventions that do not address
underlying social structures—such as those related to gender relations and access to key
resources—will benefit one group of people over another; in this case men over women.