M&M Tunisia introduced metal lids in cooking. Reduced Local fuel consumption by 50%.Saving energy, labour and forest in Zoghmar.

M&M Jordan formalized its gender awareness in 1999-2000 with the formation of special teams responsible for ensuring that women have access to the Project's improved crop and livestock production technologies. The process began with rapid rural appraisals (RRAs) in three communities-Mkaifteh, Al Harsh, and Boweda Garbeah-to better understand women's situation, their various responsibilities, influence, and the social background and traditions that affect them. TheM&M teams also treated the RRA's as an opportunity to introduce the women to the Project's plan and activities.

Tradition held that women should not inherit land or livestock. Women usually give up any land they might possess to their brothers. Household income was found to be the responsibility of the male head of the household, while women were left to manage the affairs within the home, cutting costs wherever possible. Women were also expected to help with the livestock and the crops.

Women over 35 were mostly illiterate, while the younger generation of girls was found to enjoy better access to education. One of the three communities, Al Harsh, ran a women's association, while the women in the other two communities expressed a strong interest in doing the same.
Armed with the information gleaned from the RRAs, the M&M Project organized gender workshops in Al Harsh and Mkaifteh in 2000. Some 18 women participated, learning about the Project and the crop and livestock technologies on offer.

Much time was taken up discussing the purpose of the Project's gender activities, and the value of building on the knowledge and productivity of rural women. The critical role that women play in ensuring sustainable food security was stressed.

The main points covered included:
· The results of the RRAs
· Feed block manufacturing
· Spineless cactus (useful for fuel, feed, and fencing)
· The Economics of by-product use

A "gender team" of female researchers was formally established. It worked with community women to develop a work plan focused on technology transfer. A questionnaire was designed to gain further insight into the participation of women in agriculture in Al Harsh and Mkaifteh, to identify education levels, and identify constraints to women's participation in agriculture improvement and community development.

Crop demonstrations were among the first activities-the M&M gender team helped three women in Bowedah Gharbeah demonstrate vetch in rotation with barley. This was followed by technology workshops and field days in targeted communities in 2001. Instruction in milk processing was included as a means to help women increase their income and improve diets.

Women play a critical role in agriculture, so it makes sense that gender is an integral part of the M&M Project. Just as women make healthy households and communities, their participation is essential for the success of research and development projects.

Rural women play a critical role in rural households inside and outside the home. In addition to cooking, cleaning, and caring for children and a spouse, rural women are expected to plant cereals, tend to a vegetable garden, raise sheep and goats, and process milk products. Despite their responsibilities, and very heavy duties, rural women have limited access to credit and extension services. Rural development projects have tended to support or at least succumb to this bias against women's involvement, choosing instead to focus attention on men. Given their key role in ensuring good health and food security, women must be involved in development efforts, and be made aware of the latest improved technologies. The M&M project recognizes this fact and tailors its activities with gender in mind.