An Analysis Of Men And Women’s Participation In The Potato Value Chain

Abstract

This study analyzed men’s and women’s participation along the potato value chain in Kinangop Sub County, Nyandarua County, Kenya. Gender issues along the value chain were assessed. The study sought to analyze roles and responsibilities of men and women, challenges inhibiting the economic growth of men and women in the value chain and social cultural factors influencing involvement of women. This study was steered by Longwe’s framework and CARE’s Pathways Theory of Change. Data from the study population was collected through semi structured interviews, focus groups discussions, oral testimonies and key informant interviews. Findings indicate that while men and women actively take part in potato farming, division of labor is to some extent traditional but with a notable trend of women challenging cultural norms around division of labor. Men and women encounter challenges that hinder their growth in this value chain. The extent to which they affect men and women differs with women bearing the blunt of access to credit, control over land as a productive resource and access to agricultural training and extension services. Other challenges include lack of storage facilities and access to good market which cuts across gender. Further, the study established that women’s involvement in the potato value chain is slowed down by social cultural factors such as decisions around production where majorities do not give input, control over use of income and time constraints leaving women with a heavy workload and limited leisure time. The study therefore recommends that interventions aimed at addressing gender inequalities should be centered around access to and control over productive resources and services, control over use of income, decisions around production and time allocation.