Endowment and Structural Effects on Gender Gap in Agricultural Productivity

This study investigated the factors contributing to gender disparities in agricultural productivity, particularly within the context of Busia County, Kenya. Focusing on both endowment and structural effects, the study targeted a population of 149,675 smallholder crop farmers, from which a sample of 384 was derived using Cochran’s sample size formula. Employing a multistage sampling procedure, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition techniques. The results revealed that male endowment and structural advantage did not significantly contribute to the gender agricultural productivity gap. Conversely, female structural disadvantages were found to have a notable contribution on gender gap in agricultural productivity. These findings underscore the complex interplay between resource endowments, gender dynamics, and structural constraints in shaping agricultural productivity outcomes. By shedding light on these intricacies, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to address gender inequalities in agriculture effectively in order to improve productivity.