Gender-Linked Dynamics and Sustainable Small Holder Poultry Value Chains in Makueni County, Kenya

Salome A. Bukachi, Mariah Ngutu (), Dalmas Omia, Mercy M. Musyoka, Judith Chemuliti and Isaac K. Nyamongo
Additional contact information
Salome A. Bukachi: Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies (IAGAS), University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
Mariah Ngutu: Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies (IAGAS), University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
Dalmas Omia: Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies (IAGAS), University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
Mercy M. Musyoka: Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies (IAGAS), University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
Judith Chemuliti: Institute of Biotechnology, Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization, Nairobi P.O. Box 57811-00200, Kenya
Isaac K. Nyamongo: Academics, Cooperative Development, Research and Innovation Division, Cooperative University of Kenya, Nairobi P.O. Box 24814-00502, Kenya

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-12

Abstract: Understanding the gender-linked dynamics in the small holder poultry value chain is necessary for enabling sustainable agriculture and food systems. Small holder livestock production, including poultry keeping in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), plays important socio-economic and food security roles in rural communities. Poultry production contributes to sustainable food systems as it supports nutrient cycling through feed, manure, and soils. A qualitative study utilized data from 18 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 22 in-depth interviews (IDIs) to interrogate the gender-linked dynamics in the value chain and inform interventions for sustainable food systems. The data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded into themes responding to the study question. The results highlight the gender-linked drivers, namely, the social and economic value placed on poultry, ownership, power positions, and decision making dynamics in production and management among small holder poultry value chain actors in Makueni County, Kenya. The study findings demonstrate the increasing economic and social value placed on poultry in households and communities. The study further discusses gender-disaggregated ownership and decision making in the poultry value chain, highlighting the need to engage all involved actors to develop sustainable food systems. In addition to the social and economic value of poultry to small holder farmers, it is necessary to factor in potential nutrition and environmental benefits. While small holder poultry production has the potential to contribute to sustainable food systems economically, nutritionally, and environmentally, this study found that more emphasis is placed on socio-economic value dimensions. Noteworthy is that in ownership and decision making, gender dynamics inform the role and position of the different actors in a sustainable small holder poultry value chain that is socio-economically, nutritionally, and environmentally sound.

Keywords: gender dynamics; sustainable food systems; decision making; poultry; Kenya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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