Challenges Facing Rural Women in Agricultural Production in Kanthuni Location of Makueni County, Eastern Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the challenges women farmers face in rural agricultural production in Kanthuni Location of Makueni County, Eastern Kenya. Using a qualitative approach, the study investigated women’s roles, the challenges they face and how these can be mitigated. Semi-structured and key informant interviews were used to collect the data. Drawing from the subjective experiences of the women farmers, the study findings show that women farmers play both on-farm (cultivation, weeding, harvesting, pest control) and off-farm roles (storage, treatment, marketing). In these roles, however, women face structural (transport and marketing), social (gender inequalities and discrimination) and economic (agricultural funding) challenges. These challenges can be addressed through gender mainstreaming and deliberate efforts to empower women rural farmers. Increasing women’s access to credit facilities, training, and aligning land policies are some of the mitigation pathways. The study concludes that women play significant roles in agricultural production through rural and small-scale agriculture. However, the demonstrated impetus women have in rural agricultural production is riddled with various challenges that, in different combinations, limit their full participation. Although some of the challenges are common to all farmers, others have unique implications on women farmers. The challenges can be mitigated through gender inclusion and parity mechanisms. Rural agriculture policies, frameworks, and programmes need to target women farmers and include them in mainstream agricultural activities and support structures as incentives, extension and training services.