Assessing autonomy among Sahelian women: an analytical framework for women's production work

This paper focuses on the role of women in the Barmanan rural production system in the Manghadié area of Mali. The suggested methodology aims to identify areas of women's autonomy in production activities and factors determining their degree of control. For women, control over work depends both upon their involvement in the decision-making process and on their ability to negotiate access to the various components of their activities. The paper highlights gender-related and other social factors such as inter-ethnic relations and relationships between women that determine women's autonomy in production activities. Some economic and environmental factors are also identified.