Gender and Household Seed Security in Nepal

The study of women's involvement and responsibilities within seed systems in Nepal is scarce, despite the widely held belief that women possess extensive knowledge regarding seed selection and preservation, especially concerning maize and wheat, which are vital staple grains in remote mountain communities. Women play various crucial roles in maize and wheat farming, yet major decisions regarding crops management, such as variety selection, are predominantly made by men. Given the rising trend of male out-migration and the resulting feminization of agriculture, it is imperative to examine women's access to seeds and address the gender biases and limitations faced by women farmers.