women farmers. Marketing, food processing and post-harvest sciences are well suited as areas of specialization for women who desire a career in extension work. Strategies can include making extension work attractive to women and promoting the education and hiring of women as extension agents. Rel­evant expertise includes improved postharvest handling prac­tices in the local marketplaces where women gather to sell their goods or to shop for food [Global Chapter 6].
     Gender-sensitive communication strategies for natural resource management  (e.g.,  mountain landscapes, trees-outside-forest, forest management) can ensure that women and girls can participate effectively and equitably in emerg­ing knowledge networks. The availability of women-ori­ented content and selection of appropriate intermediaries and partnerships can enhance womens' and girls' access to and benefits from modern ICTs [Global Chapter 5]. Other benefits of ICT include linking up training and micro-credit programs   to   transfer   agricultural   technology   between women  farmers.  Linking women  farmers with markets and using effective, appropriate and cost-efficient ICTs can promote skills development among women. The use of the mobile phone is an example of an information technology that is increasing exponentially among women in many de­veloping regions. Mobile phones are also a portable market research tool, allowing producers to find and compare cur­rent market prices for their products and ensuring greater profits for their products [Global Chapters 2, 6].
     Furthering gender analysis in the alternative trade sector, particularly by Fair Trade organizations and NGOs, would

generate a richer understanding of the costs and benefits in participating in alternative trade systems for both women and men. Gender impact analyses in turn can inform pro­ducer organizations and alternative trade organizations on how to improve their impact and on whom to focus further capacity development efforts. Such findings might point for instance to the need for female extension agents, or gender specific technology, marketing strategies or knowledge for male or female farmers.
     Strengthening women’s ability to benefit from market-based opportunities  by market institutions  and policies giving explicit priority to women farmers groups in value chains is essential and would allow women to benefit more from the added value of agricultural production. The de­velopment of agricultural enterprises owned and controlled by women, promoting women's organizations and coopera­tives, community-supported agriculture and farmers mar­kets have proven potential to enhance women's income opportunities and business capacities.
     Strengthening women’s participation in formal AKST decision-making at all levels, including international agri­cultural research centers and national agricultural research systems,  is   of crucial  importance.   Specific  mechanisms should also be developed to hold AKST organizations ac­countable for progress in the above areas. Adoption of tech­niques such as gender budgeting by departments/programs of agriculture would assist in the allocation of public and private investments needed to implement (and assess) gen­der and social equity in AKST policies.