Farming groups and empowerment of women smallholder farmers

ABSTRACT

Discrimination and subordination of women have contributed to lower economic and social development levels for women, especially in developing countries. Empowerment of women enables them to gain control of their lives by increasing their participation in the economy and all levels of decision making. This study used mixed method research to examine the social and economic empowerment of women experienced in farming groups. The groups have contributed to women’s empowerment. However, the individual abilities of women are vital for empowerment to occur among members. Development support organisations should focus on improving women’s capabilities alongside the mobilisation of group establishment.

KEYWORDS:

• Women empowerment
• smallholder women farmers
• gender gap
• agricultural collective action
• farming groups

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, we would like to thank Oman Academic Fellowship (OAF) who funded the study. Then we wish to express our gratitude to officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Cooperative Department, and the Planning Commission for their continuous support and advice. Finally, we would like to give a special thanks to women from the farming groups for their valuable contribution, cooperation, and patience.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mwanajuma S. Othman

Dr Mwanajuma S. Othman is a Administrative Manager at the Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Agency. Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Gender, and Children Development. Zanzibar, Tanzania. P.O. BOX 1242. She is responsible to monitor and coordinate all laboratory functions including planning, research, and evaluation of the lab work and other related work including research on food production, agriculture development, and environmental protection. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: [phone].

Guy Garrod

Prof. Guy Garrod is a Prof of Environmental and Rural Studies, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom. Hi is a researcher at the Centre for Rural Economy of the University and a lecturer. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: [phone].

Elizabeth Oughton

Dr Elizabeth Oughton is a Principal Research Associate at the Centre for Rural Economy, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom. Her research focuses on the ways in which households living in poverty in rural areas, provision themselves with respect to the socio-economic and natural environment. Most recently her overseas work has been based in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: [phone].