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PERSPECTIVE article

Front. Vet. Sci.
Sec. Veterinary Humanities and Social Sciences
Volume 11 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1456605

Gender and antimicrobial resistance: a conceptual framework for researchers working in livestock systems

Provisionally accepted
Fiona Emdin Fiona Emdin 1*Alessandra Galie Alessandra Galie 2Arshnee Moodley Arshnee Moodley 2,3Susan Rogers Van Katwyk Susan Rogers Van Katwyk 1
  • 1 York University, Toronto, Canada
  • 2 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
  • 3 University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background: To promote gender mainstreaming in future AMR research projects and policy implementation within livestock and other systems, researchers need to embrace gender-responsive research methodologies. Ignoring gender considerations can lead to unsustainable interventions and exacerbate existing equity gaps. Incorporating gender analysis is crucial for identifying data collection needs and opportunities to develop gender-responsive research programs and policies. Objectives: We have developed a conceptual framework and a set of research questions designed to enhance the gender-responsiveness of AMR research in livestock systems. Methods: A narrative review previously identified three key entry points for gender dynamic impacting AMR in agricultural systems: gendered antimicrobial resistance exposure, gendered antimicrobial use and gendered outcomes of antimicrobial resistance infections. This information was then analyzed using a health system gender framework. Combining these insights, we developed a comprehensive list of research questions. Results: We developed comprehensive list of gender-related questions. Given the limited understanding of how gender dynamics and norms influence AMR, we have primarily proposed qualitative, exploratory questions. These questions are categorized into two types: integrated and strategic. Integrated questions offer a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and norms in livestock systems with the aim of improving them, while strategic questions focus on gender-related issues in livestock as entry points, highlighting the mechanisms behind these gender issues to progress towards gender equality. Conclusions: This framework provides a starting point for researchers aiming to enhance gender inclusivity in AMR research within livestock systems. The next phase of our project will involve applying this framework in the field.

    Keywords: gender, antimicrobial resistance, Livestock, framework, perspective

    Received: 28 Jun 2024; Accepted: 16 Dec 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Emdin, Galie, Moodley and Rogers Van Katwyk. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Fiona Emdin, York University, Toronto, Canada

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.