Enhancing opportunities for women and men in banana production is vital for promoting gender equity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the gendered differences in access to and decision-making over banana production resources and services in banana bunchy top disease affected areas in Cameroon. A mixed methods approach was used, comprising an intra-household survey (n = 109 households). Six sex disaggregated focus group discussions and key informant interviews were organized to collect primary data in three communities in Ambam District in Southern Cameroon. These data were used to compare men and women in resource access and production within households and villages. Men had greater say in decision-making over productive resources and information services even when women were more involved in actual seed and site selection. Planting materials were mainly sourced from old fields although men were more likely to buy banana seeds than women farmers. In practical terms, access to and decision-making over production resources and services by women in the banana seed systems is vital for equitable outcomes. Disease pressure on banana production experienced in southern Cameroon may influence gendered access to resources upsetting resource access equity. In theoretical terms, the study reveals dimensions of gender linked differences in resource control even where participation was evident. Thus, it indicates the need for in-depth understanding of power and social relations within households and the communities. This study reveals the nexus of disease challenge and resource access in banana systems. The study will be of interest to development practitioners, researchers and extension agents.

中文翻译：

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喀麦隆香蕉种子系统的性别动态及其对香蕉束顶病恢复的影响

增加香蕉生产中女性和男性的机会对于促进撒哈拉以南非洲的性别平等至关重要。本研究调查了喀麦隆香蕉束顶病受影响地区在获取和决策香蕉生产资源和服务方面的性别差异。使用了混合方法，包括家庭内部调查（n = 109 个家庭）。组织了六次按性别分类的焦点小组讨论和关键知情人访谈，以收集喀麦隆南部 Ambam 区三个社区的原始数据。这些数据用于比较家庭和村庄内的男性和女性在资源获取和生产方面的情况。即使女性更多地参与实际的种子和地点选择，男性在生产资源和信息服务的决策中也有更大的发言权。种植材料主要来自旧田，尽管男性农民比女性农民更有可能购买香蕉种子。实际上，香蕉种子系统中的妇女获得生产资源和服务并就生产资源和服务做出决策对于实现公平结果至关重要。喀麦隆南部香蕉生产面临的疾病压力可能会影响性别获取资源，从而扰乱资源获取公平。从理论上讲，该研究揭示了资源控制中性别相关差异的维度，即使参与是明显的。因此，它表明需要深入了解家庭和社区内的权力和社会关系。这项研究揭示了香蕉系统中疾病挑战和资源获取之间的联系。该研究将对发展从业者感兴趣，