Transforming gender in homestead food production

Abstract

In Bangladesh, Helen Keller International (HKI) is known for its homestead food production (HFP) programme, which promotes small-scale agriculture among women, specifically to improve women's and children's nutrition outcomes, including dietary diversity and knowledge of maternal self-care and infant–young child feeding practices. To achieve these aims, the programme focuses on women's empowerment. This article presents some of the challenges and opportunities involved in a programme in which gender equity is intrinsically recognised as a social justice goal, as well as a foundation for nutrition and food security gains.