Gender dynamics in smallholder vegetable production: insights from Tanzania

Abstract

The presented study investigates gender dynamics in vegetable producer’s households as related to
labor, income and expenditure allocation – as field that has not yet been sufficiently covered by
research. It is conducted in cooperation wth the “Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the
Next Generation” (Africa RISING) project funded by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The study
focuses on farmers in Babati, Kiteto and Kongwa districts in northern and central Tanzania.
Quantitative data was collected during a survey with 403 male and female farmers in nine villages.
Later on, we conducted focus group discussions with sex-separated farmer groups and expert
interviews with male and female extension officers. Thus, we validated the quantitative data,
investigated on underlying causes for gender inequalities and identified entry points for additional
research and development interventions.
The survey results show that men and women have different perceptions of labor, income and
expenditure allocation within the households. Following this, the qualitative research revealed that
both men and women keep information on their individual income confidential in order to strengthen
their position in intra-household negotiations. Moreover, both complain about their partner’s lack of
contribution to the household economy and production activities. Nevertheless, both qualitative and
quantitative data indicate that men have higher income and are in power when it comes to moneyrelated
decisions, while women remain economically dependent. Women explain their dependence
with men’s control of access to land, financial capital, knowledge and markets. Men on the other hand
named women’s physical limitations and poor money management skills as reasons that prevent them
from progressing economically through vegetable farming. Both stated that domestic labor prevents
women from getting more involved in farming activities. The analysis shows that distrust and low
cooperation within the households constitute obstacles for food security, poverty alleviation and
women empowerment. Therefore, we emphasize the necessity of including men in gender transformative
approaches in agricultural research and development.