Abstract
African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) are important crops grown in Kenya. Although the crops are mainly grown by women, little is known about gender issues on the crops’ value chain. The objective of the study was to examine gender issues in African Indigenous Vegetables value chain in Kisii and Kakamega Counties in Kenya. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focused group discussions and a survey that covered 346 households selected through systematic sampling. The household data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using the Harvard analytical framework. The main findings show that women performed most of the crops’ production and marketing activities yet they had less access to and control of vital resources such as land and credit. Women also consumed must of the AIVs compared with men, youths and children due to cultural perceptions that associate them with women’s diets. The study recommends designing gender responsive interventions to improve women’s access to resources such as land, credit, and training so as to empower them for improved productivity and profitability of the value chain. Furthermore, the study recommends a need for awareness campaigns that addresses cultural perceptions that associates AIVs with women’s traditional diets, thus encouraging men’s and youth involvement in AIVs production and consumption to enhance their food and nutritional security.
Presenters
Jessica NdubiChief Research Scientist and Gender Coordinator, Socioeconomics and Policy Development, Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Nairobi Municipality, Kenya
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
GENDER, AFRICAN INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES, ACCESS, RESOURCES, LAND
