Land Ownership As Symbol Of Gender Power Relations In Gusii, Kenya: A Historical Perspective

Purpose: In recent years, there has been intense discourse over various aspects of gender and how they impact social, economic and cultural development. However, most of these discourses on gender have mainly focused on urbanized environments and/or are based on Western conception of gender issues. This study provides a longitudinal analysis of gender power relations as reflected in the control and usage of land resources in a rural African setting (i.e., the Gusii community in South western Kenya). Specifically, it examines the role of women as relates to ownership of land and/or lack of it and how the situation has evolved over the years. Methodology: The study relies on both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources include archival sources from the National Archives in Kenya, Gusii County archives and archives belonging to individual groups, churches and Gusii Cultural Centre, This information is corroborated with secondary sources such as books, journals, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, unpublished theses, seminar papers and electronically stored information on the internet. Findings: The study shows that over the years (i.e. pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial period) women have been increasingly marginalized and have minimal control and access to land resources. State policies that are based on individual land ownership through the provision to title deed have tended to exclude women from land ownership. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Consequently there is need of alternative land use policies that recognize the rights of women as relates to land ownership and usage.