Browsing by Author "Mwalyagile Neema"

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Gender differences in rice production participation among smallholder farmers in small-scale irrigation schemes in mbarali district, Tanzania
(ELSEVIER, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah, John N.; Salanga, Rymond J.
Smallholder farmers are crucial to agri-food production in sub-Saharan Africa. However, gender disparities in rice production participation persist in Tanzania. Existing research has yet to fully explore how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence gendered participation in rice production. This study assesses gender differences in rice production participation patterns among smallholder farmers and identify gender-related socio-economic and demographic factors influencing differences in participation within small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District. Using cross-sectional approach, data were collected from 397 randomly selected farmers through structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including ordered probit regression. The results revealed significant gender differences in rice production participation (p < 0.01). Male farmers had higher participation rates in activities such as land preparation, seedbed preparation, seedling management, irrigation, herbicide, fertilizer, pesticide application, harvesting, transporting, storage, and selling, while female farmers had higher participation rates in transplanting and weeding. The overall level of partici- pation was moderate, with 78 % of male farmers and 49 % of female farmers. However, larger proportion of females (43 %) were at a lower participation levels compared to only 1 % of male farmers, while 21 % of males and 8 % of females were at high participation levels. Factors like household size, farming management, hier- archical position within households, decision-making power, and the ability to access irrigation water positively influenced participation levels, while land size cultivated had a negative impact (p < 0.05). These were gender- related socio-economic and demographic factors that disadvantage female farmers’ participation (p < 0.05). While the age of the farmer and inadequacy of irrigation water significantly affected participation levels, farm- hired labour had positive influence, however, these factors were not gender-specific. The study concludes that gender differences in participation in rice production are influenced by demographic and socio-economic factors. To address these, the study recommends for interventions that reduce gender disparities by promoting equality in resource access, enhancing women’s decision-making power over resources and ability to access irrigation water, and ensure sufficient water in small-scale irrigation schemes. The government should create an enabling envi- ronment that supporting female farmers in small-scale irrigation schemes for broader gender equality in agri- culture and rural development.
Understanding gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making in small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District, Tanzania
(IIMT Journal of Management, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah John Nshimba; Salanga Raymond J.
Purpose – Resource access and decision-making power remain critical gender concerns. This paper examines gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making among smallholder rice farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized a cross-sectional research design with mixed-method approaches. Quantitative data from 397 smallholder rice farmers were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression models. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings – The study reveals that access to irrigation resources was mediated through multiple sources of power derived from the economic status of farmers, land ownership, marriage and social capital, shaping access differently for male and female farmers. Males dominated decision-making over land, labor, income and farming equipment, with exclusive irrigation water access rights. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being male increased the decision-making power (coef. 5 0.890, p < 0.05). Factors like land size, scheme membership and joint farm management were positively associated with male decision-making power and marriage and joint rice selling enhanced female farmers (p < 0.01). Practical implications – The findings provide valuable insights for development practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the persistent gender inequalities in irrigation resources and decision-making. These insights inform practical and policy interventions to promote gender equality in resource access and decision-making. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature on how gender power relations shape irrigation resource access and decision-making, underscoring the need for gender-specific interventions to promote gender equality in resources.