dc.description.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. | en_US |