Influence of gender access to and control over resources on milk production among smallholder dairy farmers in Kabarnet Division, Baringo District

Abstract

Gender is a critical variable in the development process. However, many studies done on gender have indicated that there is lack of gender disaggregated data, especially on women’s contribution to smallholder dairy farming. The purpose of the study was to determine, describe and compare the influence of gender in accessing and controlling resources on milk production among smallholder dairy farmers in Kabarnet Division of Baringo District. A survey research using ex-post-facto research design was used for the study. The target population comprised of 106 households with dairy animals under stall-feeding system. A sample of 53 households was chosen for the study using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a validated structured interview schedule administered to the respondents at their homes. Data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Means, percentages and standard deviations were used to achieve the stated objectives and t-test was used to test the stated hypotheses at 0.05 alpha levels. The study was expected to provide information on gender based differences with regard to access to and control over resources on milk production. The differences would make it possible to determine men’s and women’s constraints and opportunities within the farming system. Findings from the study indicated that characteristics of the dairy farmers in the study were quite similar irrespective of gender because the unit of sampling was the household, composed of husband and wife. The results also indicated that men had more access to and control over breeding, inputs, credit and extension resources as compared to women. On the level of access and control over milk production resources, the results revealed that men had higher level of access and control. On gender roles, the findings indicated that women were more involved in reproductive and productive work whereas the men were more involved in community and constituency activities. The results also indicated that there was a significant gender difference on the level of access to and control over resources for milk production and that gender access and control on milk production resources did not have significant influence on the levels of milk production. Resulting from the findings of the study, it was recommended that gender mainstreaming be integrated in all development programmes so as to articulate and understand better issues pertaining to gender equity which will in turn increase production and improve livelihoods of men and women in the society.