Herbicides and Zero Tillage in South Asia: Are we creating a gendered problem?

Substantial efforts have been devoted to the promotion of Zero Tillage as part a Conservation Agriculture based Sustainable Intensification agenda in Eastern Gangetic Plains South Asia, yet there is no clear understanding gendered implications required change weed management practices from tillage herbicides. Other geographies such Sub-Saharan Africa shown evidence that transitioning may unbalanced burden women with additional tasks or lead lessening agency. To address this, targeted in-depth study both spouses was implemented 24 households across Bangladesh, India and Nepal over period 5 weeks during crop establishment understand perceptions, responsibilities, knowledge household who adopted systems. This data used compare their weeding responsibilities between Pre- post- uptake. Findings indicate switch contributed substantial time savings did not any reallocation increased roles surveyed localities, while on were balanced among spouses. research suggests experiences users systems subsequent use herbicides investigated locations differ user experience other geographies, reinforce deepen existing inequalities within households. highlights provide an inclusive agricultural development pathway Asia.