Mapping gender gaps in participation and access to resources in agri-food systems of Telangana state

The study was conducted in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana state to examine gender participation in agri-food systems with reference to Paddy and Redgram cultivation. An ex-post facto research design was adopted and 120 respondents (60 men and 60 women) were selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentage and chi-square tests. The results revealed significant gender disparities across all four stages of the agri-food system. In production, women were concentrated in low (36.67%) and medium (56.66%) categories, while men dominated the high category (63.33%). In processing, women reported greater participation in the high category (58.33%) and men were concentrated in the medium (46.67%). Marketing showed the widest gap, with women clustered in the low category (58.33%) and men were concentrated in the high (55.00%). In consumption, women were strongly represented in the high category (58.33%), while men were concentrated in the low (51.67%). Access to resources also reflected similar inequalities, with women largely in low access groups for inputs, machinery, finance, labour, technology and markets, while men dominated medium and high categories. All gaps were statistically significant. The study demonstrates that gender disparities remain embedded across both participation and resource access, underscoring the need for inclusive interventions to strengthen equity and resilience in agri-food systems.