Institutional GBA+ Capacity
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) continues to work to improve its departmental processes, resources, and tools available to conduct gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), and to incorporate considerations within the development of policies and programs. In 2019, the Department launched an internal network of GBA+ advisors, with representation from across the Department, to help guide analysts and enhance the quality of GBA+ assessments. Additionally, AAFC has been undertaking efforts to look at program data collection, including as part of the development of a strategy to address gender gaps across the agriculture and agri-food value chain.
Highlights of GBA+ Results by Program
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada programs can be seen to support the creation of a more diverse agriculture sector and positively advance gender and diversity. For example, by supporting the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector's contribution to a growing economy, the Trade and Market Expansion, and Sector Engagement and Development programs in the Department's program inventory, help support Canada's economy and economic growth, which creates more opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. In addition, programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership policy framework, such as AgriCompetitiveness and AgriDiversity, support increased engagement with youth, women, Indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities, and aim to address some of the key barriers facing underrepresented groups in Canadian agriculture. By doing so, programs such as these help to strengthen the diverse capacity of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.
Specific program result highlights from 2019-20 are provided below.
| GBA+ Data Collection for AAFC Programs |
In 2019-20, AAFC completed an inventory of programs that collect GBA+ data as part of the program application process, based on 2018-19 data. The inventory revealed that data collection and analysis tools such as this one can improve the capacity to measure and assess the impacts of the associated programs on gender and diversity in the future. AAFC will use this inventory and other relevant data sources to pursue further data mining, and in consultations regarding data collection and analysis tools in relation to program design for future policy frameworks. Standard questions have been created for program applications to collect GBA+ data on the mandate of the applying organization and to identify the benefiting underrepresented groups in the initiative, including the following two GBA+ related questions:
In both questions applicants can select from the following choices:
Other standard questions relate to data collection on Official Languages and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. As part of this assessment, it was found that GBA+ data was collected using the standard questions for the following 11 Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and non-Business Risk Management programs: CAP programs:
Non-CAP programs:
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| AgriDiversity Program |
AgriDiversity is a $1 million per year program, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aimed at building the capacity of underrepresented groups, including women, to better participate in the agriculture sector. In this respect, AgriDiversity has supported 11 projects. For example, the Program approved a project with the Northern Farm Training Institute supporting a train-the-trainer initiative aimed at building the entrepreneurial capacity and business skills of Indigenous women in relation to the agricultural sector. By helping to increase the training available, it is hoped that projects like this will promote entrepreneurship and careers in the agriculture and agri-food sector, and help First Nations, Metis, Inuit, non-Indigenous youth, and women through the provision of education, training, mentorship and hands on learning opportunities. |
| AgriCompetitiveness Program |
While not directly aimed at increasing diversity, the AgriCompetitiveness Program does, at times, contribute as it helps the agricultural sector to leverage, coordinate, and build on existing capacity; enhance safety; adapt to changing commercial and regulatory environments; seize new opportunities; share best practices; and provide oversight opportunities. The AgriCompetitiveness Program has supported 9 projects. For example, projects aimed at building youth capacity also help encourage diversity, such as 4-H Canada's Empowering Youth Leaders Project. This project aims to empower youth by growing their practical knowledge and leadership skills in agricultural topics including: sustainable agriculture; food security; science and technology; environmental stewardship; biodiversity; communications; entrepreneurship; and governance. |
| AgriScience Program – Clusters | In 2019-20, AAFC completed research on the levels of Board Diversity within AAFC-funded projects under the AgriScience Program – Clusters. The project conducted a GBA+ examination of AAFC AgriScience Program – Clusters with a specific focus on determining the levels of Board Diversity among funding recipients. Research continues in 2020-21. |
| A Food Policy for Canada and the Local Food Infrastructure Fund |
A Food Policy for Canada, launched in 2019-20, sets a long-term vision for the health, environmental, social, and economic goals related to food, while identifying actions we can take in the short-term. The Food Policy supports the advancement of gender equality and inclusion more broadly, including children and youth, Indigenous Peoples, and those most at risk of experiencing food insecurity. It was informed by a detailed GBA+ which was strengthened by various consultations conducted during the development of the policy. 78% of the approximately 45,000 respondents to the online consultations were women. In 2019-20, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund was launched as part of the Food Policy Initiatives. Of the 285 investments made under the Fund:
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