Addressing gender disparities through farming organisations in Malawi

Purpose - – This study aims to explore how Farming Organisations (FOs) have utilised collective action to overcome the barriers that undermine women farmers’ participation in the agrarian economy in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach - – Key informant interviews were conducted with 17 stakeholders from across relevant governmental departments, non-governmental agencies, commercial agricultural organizations and FO officials. Focus groups discussions were conducted with women participants from five FOs. Findings - – Analysis identified barriers to women farmer’s full participation in the agricultural sector in three domains: structural (concerning land ownership and control), material (concerning access to agricultural services and markets) and socio-cultural (regarding gender roles and responsibilities). Malawian FOs demonstrated strength in addressing material barriers and in fostering re-alignment of socio-cultural conventions, but have not, to date, effectively engaged in structural issues of land reform. Research limitations/implications - – Research was conducted with a limited number of stakeholders and FOs identified through snowball sampling. There is potential for findings to be non-representative of the country as a whole, and more systematic study of FOs in Malawi is warranted to determine the generalisability of observed trends. Practical implications - – The study draws attention to the crucial importance of action regarding land reform if women are to be more effectively and equitably engaged in the agrarian economy in Malawi. Originality/value - – The paper is an examination of the experience of women farmers in Malawi and speaks to the potential contribution of FOs in addressing the challenges they face.