DIFFERENTIAL GENDER ACCESS TO AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES IN KENYA

The agricultural sector in Kenya has not been stable since 1970. This book examines the impact of differential gender access to resources on agricultural production in Kenya, the case of Nandi District, 1954-2000. Feminist political economy approach is applied to analyse how political, social and economic factors interacted, in a complex manner, to influence gender access to land, control over labour, produce, extension services, technology and credit. The major argument is that agricultural problems in Kenya and Nandi District, in particular, will be solved if adequate understanding of gender relations in agriculture is realized and shortcomings addressed. Women play a major role in the agricultural sector in Kenya but they are marginalized in policy formulations that affect the sector. Lack of access to agricultural resources curtails women's full potential in agricultural production. Women also operate within the ideological environments defined by male dominated political, social and cultural structures. Women, as agents of change, struggle to bring liberation to their status which also impacts on the agricultural sector.

Autorentext

Prisca Jerono Tanui, Ph.D. studied History at Kenyatta University, Kenya. She is a lecturer in the Department of History, Political Science and Public Administration, Moi University,Kenya.