Gender roles and constraints in the aquaculture value chain in Western Kenya

Abstract

Aquaculture plays a critical role in food and nutrition security, economic empowerment and creation of employment opportunities for millions of people. However, the benefits from aquaculture are not evenly distributed between men and women due to gender-based constraints which limit maximum returns. The present study investigated gender roles and constraints in the aquaculture value chain in Western Kenya. A household survey was conducted among 384 randomly selected farmers using structured questionnaires in three counties in Western Kenya. Results of the study reveal gender participation at different nodes of the value chain with women representation being low (32%) compared to men (68%). Gender based constraints affecting participation and benefits include access to productive resources and start-up capital and discriminatory gender norms which limit women participation and financial returns. Therefore, abolishing these constraints is imperative in increasing production for development and social wellbeing of not only women but the entire household, community and the nation at large.