Gender Equity and Agricultural Innovation in Cuba

The seminar will highlight how Cuba's Local Agricultural Innovation Program evolved to emphasize women's participation, enabling gender equity to be meaningfully integrated into agricultural development and food security efforts. The speakers will present a short documentary and share insights from their IDRC-funded project, which is being done in collaboration with Cuban partners.

About the speakers:

Natalia Ruiz Cuartas is a PhD candidate in Sociology & International Development. Her doctoral research explores the intersection of gender and agroecology in Cuba. She has worked with rural and peasant communities in contexts of armed conflict, as well as with women who have migration and refugee experiences, women with disabilities, and the LGBTIQ+ community.

Erin Nelson is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Her research explores transformations toward more sustainable food systems, focusing on agroecology initiatives in Canada and Latin America. She examines issues including farmer-led research, knowledge-exchange, climate resilience, gender equity, and community wellbeing. Her work is conducted with Canadian, Cuban, and Mexican collaborators.