| Sumario: | This is a gender analysis of the Building Equitable Climate Resilient Africa Bean & Insect Sectors (BRAINS) project
across five regions of Kenya. The project focuses on enhancing equitable climate resilience to improve food
and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) among women, men, youth farmers, and entrepreneurs across
the common bean, insect, and fruit tree value chains. The analysis collected data through age- and gender
disaggregated focused group discussions with farmers and key informant interviews targeting persons with
special needs (disability) and/or vulnerable groups, as well as entrepreneurs from the common bean, insect, and
fruit tree value chains in the five regions. Based on the study objectives, the data were analysed in depth using
content and thematic analysis.
In the common bean, insect, and fruit tree value chains across Kenya’s different regions, distinct gender roles
shape men’s and women’s participation across age groups. For instance, in the bean value chain, older women
and young women typically focus on planting beans for household consumption or lower-value markets, while
older men often cultivate high-value crops like fruit trees and beans to secure better market prices. Tasks are
more equitably shared between older men and older women in the production of fruit trees, with older men
focusing on initial farming activities and older women on management, value addition, and marketing. Young
men and young women are primarily involved in the selling and transporting of fruits. Overall, older men are
involved in strategic decisions and hold greater decision-making power in areas such as planting methods, crop
management, market sales, and the use of income, compared to older women and youth. This gendered division
of labour underscores the diverse roles and influences of each gender and age group within the agricultural
process.
Climate variability poses substantial challenges to the livelihoods of women and men alike in all regions. Droughts,
heavy rains, pest infestations, and other climatic changes significantly impact crops and pollinators, reducing yields,
causing food shortages, and leading to income losses. These challenges are compounded by gender norms that
exacerbate the vulnerability of women (young and older), who often bear the brunt of agricultural work. Despite
these challenges, farmers are increasingly adopting climate-resilient practices such as mulching, intercropping,
organic farming, and agroforestry, supported by non-state organizations and government initiatives. The positive
impact of social networks and collective action on advancing gender equality and community empowerment
is evident. Efforts by NGOs and programs have empowered women to take on leadership roles, contributing
significantly to agricultural practices and community development. Waste management practices employ diverse
approaches to enhance soil health and sustainability, with older and young women primarily responsible for
managing household and agricultural waste, thereby fostering community resilience.
Financial opportunities and challenges significantly affect income and sustainability in bean, insect and fruit
tree farming, highlighting the need for equitable access to financial services for all farmers. Access to financial
services significantly benefits farmers by enhancing business operations and agricultural productivity, increasing
profits and business growth. However, older women are generally more active in taking loans and are considered
more trustworthy, often participating in table banking and self-help groups. On the other hand, older men and
youth are more averse to financial risks and have limited access to financial support programs tailored specifically
to them. Addressing these disparities and challenges requires targeted interventions to promote inclusivity and
support sustainable agricultural development. The findings emphasise the critical importance of understanding
gender roles and decision-making, climate change impacts, the role of social networks, waste management
practices, access to financial services, and the potential for business growth across three value chains in Kenya’s
five regions.
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