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| Title: | Contract farming, does it benefit women? |
| Authors: | Bülow, Dorthe von Sĝrensen, Anne |
| Year: | 1988 |
| Issue: | 88 |
| Pages: | 13 |
| Language: | English |
| Series: | CDR working papers, Green series (ISSN 0904-4701) |
| City of publisher: | Copenhagen |
| Publisher: | Centre for Development Research |
| Geographic term: | Kenya |
| Subjects: | Kipsigis contract farming women small farms tea |
| Abstract: | This is a summary of major findings from the authors' research report 'Gender dynamics in contract farming: women's role in smallholder tea production in Kericho, Kenya', Copenhagen, 1988. The present paper examines the effects of contract farming within smallholder tea production on women. Fieldwork was carried out in 1985/1986 among Kipsigis women of Mosop Location in Kericho District, Kenya. First, the relationship between gender and labour constraints and changes in the sexual division of labour are highlighted. By analysing these changes and women's role, particularly in maize production and cattle husbandry, the analysis of the effects of tea production on women is taken one step further. The use of hired labour proves to be a crucial factor in determining the effect of contract farming on women's labour burden and control over labour. Second, the authors look at changes in women's access to and control over agricultural products and other economically important resources. The question as to whether the introduction of tea has led to some women's increased influence within food production is raised. Furthermore, women's bargaining power with respect to their rights and obligations in the household is considered. The authors conclude that the introduction of tea on the farm may contribute towards creating a situation where male authority is mitigated. This was found to be women's greatest potential in contract farming. |