Influence of gender on participation in cassava value addition in Migori county, Kenya

Abstract

In the rural areas, majority of women who are constrained by gender disparity and low incomes can improve their role based on their participation in the cassava value addition, hence enhancing productivity, household incomes and sustainable development. This study assessed gender relationships in the cassava value addition in Rongo Sub County of Migori County of Kenya. This study used a cross-sectional surveys design. All the four administrative wards of Rongo Sub County were purposively selected because cassava is grown in the entire Sub County. The 46 male and 46 female household heads who practice cassava value addition were purposively and randomly selected for the structured questionnaire will be administered to 92 selected heads of household. A chi-square test was run in testing for significant relationships among the variables. Difference in socio-economic characteristics with regard to gender household heads were statistically significant. Gender participation in the cassava value addition was statistically significant, p = .031. In conclusion, Male and female-headed households are involved in value addition and marketing of cassava and its products in the study area. Relatively more male-headed households utilized and sold their cassava in raw form. Both male-headed and female-headed cassava-based households are highly influenced to take part in cassava value addition by marital status and educational level. To promote cassava value addition and its commercialization, there is a need to promote a wide spectrum of cassava-based products to improve consumption, utilization, and household incomes in its different forms among male and female cassava farmers.