Unleashing Gender Equality And Access To Knowledge Among Smallholder Farmers: Rethinking Implication To Poverty Reductions

Purpose: The aim of the study is to examine gender equality in accessing knowledge among smallholder farmers with a focus on poverty reductions strategies. Methodology: This paper draws from the theoretical and empirical literature review of studies on smallholder farmers on access to agricultural knowledge through collection of secondary data and reviewing information that has been gathered from various studies and reports in research and academic institutions, as well as from internet sources in and outside Tanzania. Findings: The study found the missing link in poverty reduction strategies, thus there is a need to strengthen the strategies and the agriculture policy. The study also, found that women have less access to agricultural knowledge than men due to cultural barriers, low level of literacy, poverty, and lack of ownership of resources such as land and income for sustainability and security. Unique contribution to theory and policy/recommendation): The focus and outcomes regarding gender equality in relation to access to agricultural information suggests the need for more refined and socioeconomic models that cuts across gender and other social dimension beyond other factors of culture, education etc. This study recommends that there is a need to rethink of the implications to poverty reduction strategies during preparation of the strategies in order to increase accessibility of knowledge among smallholder farmers, especially women. Hence, this study will contribute to theory and policy to enable smallholder farmers to increase productivity and income especially to women.