This publication argues that the study of gender relations and the power of women is central to an evaluation of development efforts in Africa. It explores the interactive relationship between technology transfer and gender factors using case studies and examples from the development literature on agriculture, health, and nutrition, as well as from feminist scholarship on Africa. It also critiques the fields of African studies, women's studies, and development studies, and examines the research findings of African women to identify the factors that either render women powerless and disadvantaged or create the conditions for their authoritative participation in development. Finally, it identifies issues and interrelations that have not been addressed in previous research and suggests ways to frame future research.