A Gender Analysis on the Involvement of Farmers in Rice-bean (Vigna umbellata) Production Activities in the Selected Regions of Nyanza, Kenya
Finid Onyancha George
Department of Agribusiness and Management Extension, Masinde Muliro University of Science and technology, Kenya.
Mary Goretti Kariaga *
Department of Agribusiness and Management Extension, Masinde Muliro University of Science and technology, Kenya.
Valarie Palapla
School of Science and Technology, United States International University, Kenya.
O. M. J. Nandi
Kaimosi Friends University College,Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Analyze gender relationships and farmers' involvement in rice-bean (Vigna ambellata) production activities in selected regions of Nyanza, Kenya.
Study Design: Ex post facto survey design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected regions of Siaya, Kisii, and Migori between August 2020 and July 2021.
Methodology: Questionnaires and interviews were administered to collect information from 103 households; Kisii (18) Siaya (24) and Migori (61). Analysis was through the statistical package for social Scientist's version 26(SPSS; 26). ANOVA was used to determine the level of involvement by gender in rice-bean production, ordinal regression was used to determine the influence of gender on rice-bean production, and chi-square to determine the association between gender and rice-bean production.
Results: The response rate was 100% (N=103). Women were more involved in rice-bean production with a production index of 2.96 compared to men who had a production index of 2.39 translating to a significant association between gender and production activities (F=50.189, P-val=0.00<0.05). Gender influences rice-bean production by 61.3%. The chi-square test showed a significant association between gender and rice-bean production (P=0.001<0.05).
Conclusion: Gender influences the level of involvement in rice-bean production activities; efforts to revive rice beans may not be realized if the needs of male and female farmers are not treated separately in rice-bean production and priority is given to those that exhibit a high level of involvement. The article collaborates with the existing theory by Eagly on gender and division of labor based on stereotyping and societal nurturance to produce gender-specific roles. Efforts should be set up by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with other stakeholders to formulate policies to mainstream gender involvement in rice-bean production to unlock rice-bean potential. Provide certified seeds and extension education blended with rice-bean agronomic information.
Keywords: Gender influences, rice-bean production, production systems, social-cultural differences