Gender Relations In Adoption Of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices; A Case Of Rice Farmers In Kirinyaga County Valentine Wanjiru Waroga Anthropology, Gender And African Studies

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study on gender relations in the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices among rice farmers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Specifically, it sought to establish the current climate smart agriculture practices, the gendered differences in the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices and the socio-economic determinants for the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices among men and women farmers. Data was collected through survey questionnaires, FGDs and KIIs. Convenient sampling was used to select a sample of two hundred and four (204) respondents. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used for analysis of quantitative data while thematic analysis was adopted for qualitative data. The findings reveal that a majority (52%) of the respondents confirmed women are engaged in CSA practices such smart irrigation, chemical spraying, use of fertilizers and seeds and intercropping. The decisions to engage in CSA is largely in the hands of men (55%) underlined by their inherent control of the production assets. Factors affecting the adoption mainly revolve around the gender differentiated levels of access land, productive tools/technologies, information, extension services and agency in decision strongly came out. The study did not establish any significant relationship between having access to loans and agricultural insurance and its influence the adoption of smart agricultural practices. This indicates that adoption of CSA practices is taking place irrespective of the presence of finances and financial services. The study recommends that engagement of local community elders in tackling gender related land issues inherently entrenched in cultural beliefs as key to tackling land issues. Intensified dissemination of CSA knowledge is required for a shared understanding of the position of CSA in climate change adaptation is critical to promote CSA practices. Wider policy and structural reforms that are gender responsive, are needed to enable accelerated CSA adoption in particular, and sustainable intensification in general. Policies that promote an increased income for farmers through input subsidies, regulated government prices taking into consideration use of affirmative procurement policies for marginalized groups are required. As the study has identified that women are mainly involved in the adaptation and building resilience in rice farming, the study recommends that in future, research is undertaken to determine the effects of the adoption of climate smart practices to health and wellness noting the socio-economic determinants for the adoption of CSA practices.