Introduction: NACI’s Science, Engineering and Technology for Women (SET4W) Committee requires the services of an established and experienced researcher to conduct a study into the role of women in the key economic sectors underpinned by Science, Engineering and Technology (SET): the case of agriculture and agro-processing.

Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to investigate the role that women play in the agricultural and agro-processing sector, the challenges they face and what can be done from a policy position to enhance their contribution in these sectors. Through a well grounded assessment into the extent to which women are involved across the broad spectrum of the agricultural and agro-processing sector, lessons for improving such understanding can be extracted and presented as strategic advice to the Minister of Science and Technology and other relevant stakeholders.

Scope of Work: The service provider should identify the positions and roles occupied by women in the agricultural and agro-processing sector, their experiences, challenges and the opportunities available. The investigation should include (but not be limited to):

• Women’s decision making position;
• Women’s role and participation in SET (including but not limited to R&D and innovation structures such as universities, science councils, the rural agricultural institutions, etc);
• How women are affected in the agricultural and agro-processing workplace (policies)
• How women are affected in the rural agricultural setting broadly in their different capacities as experts or as workers;
• An analysis of barriers to women in the sector;
• An assessment of what interventions are already in place across the spectrum or what interventions can be put in place (policy and otherwise);
• An evaluation of the extent to which women benefit from or influence technological innovations in the sector (including indigenous forms of innovation that can be harvested – the use of IKS).

Evaluation criteria:

• Basis of functionality 70% and price 30%
• 80/20 preference point system will be applicable

Duration of the project:

• A report should be completed within a period of 3-4 months after commencement of the study

Comprehensive Terms of Reference are available here:

• ToR: The role of women in key economic sectors underpinned by SET: the case of the agricultural and agro-processing sector

All enquiries should be directed to either::

telephone:+27 12 843 6520

email: rudzani.maila@dst.gov.za

telephone:+27 12 843 6488

email: heino.heyman@dst.gov.za