Gender factors influencing particpation of men and women In small-scale agriculture in Gatundu South District, Kiambu County
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Date
2013-11-12
Authors
Kariuki, Fred Ndung'u
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Abstract
This study examined the factors that influence the participation of men and women
in small- scale agriculture in Gatundu South District. The study was based on the
premise that there are socio-cultural and value related factors, which contribute to
minimal participation by men in agriculture. The study therefore, set out to
identify and describe these factors, as well as suggests strategies of addressing the
unequal participation by men and women in small-scale agriculture in the district.
The farming systems approach theory guided the study. The study targeted smallscale
farmers in two of the five locations in Ndarugu division. Enumeration areas
in the selected locations served as the sampling units for the study. Multistage
sampling technique was employed to sample 30% of the households. Two
divisional agricultural officers and two assistant chiefs served as key informants.
Primary data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interview
guides. Secondary data were obtained through library search. Analysis of
questionnaire data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) Version 17.0 and the findings presented in tables, graphs and figures.
Findings from qualitative data are presented in a narrative form. The research
found that there are numerous challenges that have hindered active participation of
men and women in small-scale agriculture in Gatundu South District. These
include cultural attitudes towards agriculture, laziness, alcoholism, small farm
size, lack of alternative jobs, lack of farm inputs, and low farm income which
discourage men and women from participating. To address these challenges, the
study recommends the following measures: enhancing gender mainstreaming
trainings to farmers and all service providers in the agricultural sector, sensitizing
and financing farmers to adopt technologies that would intensify production of
their small farms, eradication of illicit brews, facilitating trainings on value
addition of agricultural products as well as promotion of gender transformative
attitudes towards participation of men and women in small-scale agriculture and
house hold economies.
Description
Department of Gender and development Studies