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Beyond maize production: gender relations along the maize value chain in Tanzania

Author

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  • Adam, Rahma I.
  • Mmbando, Frank
  • Lupindu, Osmund
  • Ubwe, Rose M.
  • Osanya, Jessica
  • Muindi, Pauline

Abstract

Maize is an important staple crop for smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa. Yet gender-based opportunities, constraints, and dynamics in maize value chains are under-researched. A better understanding is necessary for gender-sensitive policy and development interventions. This study thus examines gender relations across the maize value chain in Tanzania, looking at gendered participation, decision-making patterns, and resources in maize/seed production, marketing, and sales. Data were collected using mixed methods: a survey of 551 households, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Our findings show that the higher nodes of the maize value chain are dominated by men. Women's participation is generally limited to maize production, and women face barriers to entry into higher nodes. Where they do participate in buying, trading, or retail, they face barriers to expansion of their business. Gendered decision-making patterns with regards to maize sales show regional variation, but overall men are primary decision-makers. Gender mainstreaming and gender transformative interventions targeted at higher nodes in the maize value chain are needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam, Rahma I. & Mmbando, Frank & Lupindu, Osmund & Ubwe, Rose M. & Osanya, Jessica & Muindi, Pauline, 2020. "Beyond maize production: gender relations along the maize value chain in Tanzania," 2021 Annual Meeting, August 1-3, Austin, Texas 338769, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea21:338769
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.338769
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sraboni, Esha & Quisumbing, Agnes R. & Ahmed, Akhter, 2021. "Women's empowerment in agriculture: What role for food security in Bangladesh?," IFPRI book chapters, in: Securing food for all in Bangladesh, chapter 14, pages 483-548, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Barham, James & Chitemi, Clarence, 2009. "Collective action initiatives to improve marketing performance: Lessons from farmer groups in Tanzania," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 53-59, February.
    3. Me-Nsope, Nathalie & Larkins, Michelle, 2016. "Beyond crop production: Gender relations along the pigeon pea value chain and implications for income and food security in Malawi," Journal of Gender, Agriculture and Food Security (Agri-Gender), Africa Centre for Gender, Social Research and Impact Assessment, vol. 1(03), pages 1-22.
    4. Xuan Hoa Ao & Trinh Vuong Vu & Khac Dong Le & Sopin Jirakiattikul & Kuaanan Techato, 2019. "An analysis of the smallholder farmers’ cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) value chain through a gender perspective: the case of Dak Lak province, Vietnam," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(1), pages 1645632-164, January.
    5. Doss, Cheryl R. & Morris, Michael L., 2001. "How does gender affect the adoption of agricultural innovations?: The case of improved maize technology in Ghana," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 25(1), pages 27-39, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Valerian, Judith, 2025. "Digital finance and agri-food value chains: Case studies from Tanzania," Research reports 175446, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Rachel C Voss & Zachary M. Gitonga & Jason Donovan & Mariana Garcia-Medina & Pauline Muindi, 2024. "Can I speak to the manager? The gender dynamics of decision-making in Kenyan maize plots," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 41(1), pages 205-224, March.
    3. Rutsaert, Pieter & Donovan, Jason & Murphy, Mike & Hoffmann, Vivian, 2024. "Farmer decision making for hybrid maize seed purchases: Effects of brand loyalty, price discounts and product information," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).

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