Gender, agricultural commercialization, and collective action in Kenya

Abstract

With the commercialization of agriculture, women are increasingly disadvantaged because of persistent gender disparities in access to productive resources. Farmer collective action that intends to improve smallholder access to markets and technology could potentially accelerate this trend. Here, we use survey data of small-scale banana producers in Kenya to investigate the gender implications of recently established farmer groups. Traditionally, banana has been a women's crop in Kenya. Our results confirm that the groups contribute to increasing male control over banana. We also analyze nutritional implications. While male control over banana revenues does not affect household calorie consumption, it has a negative marginal effect on dietary quality. We demonstrate that the negative gender implications of farmer groups can be avoided when women are group members themselves. In the poorest income segments, group membership even seems to have a positive effect on female-controlled income share. Some policy implications towards gender mainstreaming of farmer collective action are discussed.

Characterization of the levels of cassava commercialization among smallholder farmers in Kenya: A multinomial regression approach

“…In their study, they measured the extent to which bananas and legumes are oriented towards market using Household Commercialization Index. Fischer and Qaim (2012) similarly studied cassava commercialization and how collective action has enabled women to participate in banana commercialization. Kabiti et al (2016) on the other hand diverted the focus on agricultural crops to livestock commercialization, while Kirui and Njiraini (2004) addressed the role of ICT as a determinant of agricultural commercialization.…”

Transforming Gender Relations through the Market: Smallholder Milk Market Participation and Women`s Intra-household Bargaining Power in Ethiopia

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Achieving Water and Food Security in 2050: Outlook, Policies, and Investments

“…Forming and joining farmer groups can modify crop choices and the distribution of farm income within households, if the representation and status of men and women in such groups are different. Fischer and Qaim [190] examine this issue, using data pertaining to banana production in the highlands of central Kenya.…”