In the evolving landscape of sustainable development, the empowerment of women has emerged as a pivotal concern, particularly within the framework of achieving gender equality as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A recent comprehensive study delves into the intricate interplay of gender dynamics within the African Indigenous Vegetables (AIV) value chain in Kenya, targeting the smallholder farmers predominantly engaged in both rural and peri-urban settings. This research provides a depth of understanding on how women’s roles and empowerment unfold at the household level, shedding light on the socio-economic intricacies that govern income generation and control.
The study’s foundation lies in dissecting the realities of AIV production, an agricultural sub-sector where women have traditionally held dominant roles in cultivation and sales. Despite their substantial contribution, women’s control over the income derived from AIVs remains significantly constrained when juxtaposed with their male counterparts. This disparity is exacerbated by a commercial threshold phenomenon; as AIV commercialization progresses and incomes rise beyond a certain point, men tend to assume control over revenues, effectively marginalizing women from the fruits of their labor. This observation underlines a critical challenge in women’s economic empowerment, revealing a latent “male takeover” that accompanies the commercialization process in agricultural value chains.
Income disparities between AIV production and other crops further complicate this landscape. The study found that revenues from AIVs are approximately 47% lower compared to other crop revenues, a factor that influences both household economic stability and the bargaining power exerted by women within these households. It is important to recognize that AIVs, despite being a vital source of nutrition and income for many smallholder families, remain less lucrative, which impacts the level of agency women can exercise over these resources.
Crucially, the investigation identifies two primary linchpins to augmenting women’s bargaining power within the household sphere: land ownership and education. Land tenure rights empower women by legally and culturally embedding their stake in agricultural activities, which in turn enhances their voice in household decision-making processes, particularly concerning income control. Education complements this by equipping women with the knowledge and confidence required to navigate both agricultural production complexities and the market environment more effectively. Together, these factors work synergistically to bolster intra-household empowerment, thereby elevating women’s status in rural economies.
More strikingly, the empowerment of women through these channels extends beyond personal or household economic gains. Improved control over income allows women to allocate resources toward critical aspects of household welfare. For instance, the study highlights that empowered women tend to invest more in dietary diversity and children’s education, fostering long-term human capital development within their households. The implications here suggest a virtuous cycle where increased female empowerment not only enhances individual well-being but also drives broader socio-economic progress in rural communities.
From a policy perspective, these findings advocate for multi-dimensional interventions. Foremost among them is the reinforcement of women’s land rights, a domain fraught with legal and cultural barriers in many parts of Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa. Strengthening these rights requires not only legislative reforms but also community-level sensitization to shift entrenched gender norms. Education policies must likewise focus on expanding access and quality for girls and women, recognizing education as a transformative tool for empowerment.
In parallel, market-oriented policies targeted at improving women’s access to agricultural markets can substantially mitigate the risks associated with commercialization. Establishing women-specific cooperatives provides a collective bargaining platform that can enhance market access and information sharing. The integration of digital technologies to improve market information systems is another promising approach; equitable access to such platforms ensures women are better equipped to navigate price fluctuations and demand shifts, reducing the asymmetries that often disadvantage them.
However, the study acknowledges several limitations that signal avenues for future research. Its primary lens focuses on intra-household dynamics, which, while critical, represents just one dimension of women’s economic empowerment. External factors such as network relationships, institutional frameworks, and the broader business climate profoundly impact women’s entrepreneurial success and ought to be incorporated in subsequent analyses. Furthermore, deeply rooted cultural norms and societal expectations continue to shape the way gender roles unfold in agricultural settings, requiring more comprehensive, culturally sensitive inquiry.
The data underpinning the study stem from the year 2015, an aspect that invites cautious interpretation of current applicability. Although the challenges identified remain broadly relevant, ongoing socio-economic changes necessitate updated empirical investigation. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of gender-sensitive policies and interventions are essential to adapt strategies effectively in response to shifting realities within rural Kenyan communities.
In synthesizing these insights, the study underscores the necessity of targeting the structural determinants of empowerment. Land rights and education emerge as cornerstone elements that can safeguard women’s autonomy over income, even amidst rising AIV commercialization. Moreover, ensuring women’s equitable participation in agricultural markets complements these structural reforms, fostering an enabling environment where women’s contributions translate into tangible economic control.
Understanding the mechanisms by which commercialization alters intra-household power relations is vital for crafting policies that prevent the erosion of women’s empowerment gains. As incomes from AIVs increase, the observed tendency for men to appropriate control underscores the fragility of empowerment in the face of economic shifts. This calls for deliberate policy attention to maintain and strengthen women’s negotiated positions within their households and communities, emphasizing gender equity not only as a social justice objective but as a driver of sustainable economic development.
The link between women’s empowerment and enhanced household welfare also offers compelling motivation for integrating gender considerations into broader agricultural and rural development programs. Women’s increased control over agricultural income directly correlates with improved child nutrition and education, which are foundational elements for breaking cycles of poverty and ensuring intergenerational development.
As digital tools increasingly permeate agricultural markets, prioritizing women’s access to these resources can enhance transparency and inclusivity in value chains. Market information systems tailored to women’s needs will enable them to overcome informational disadvantages, negotiate better prices, and expand their entrepreneurial capacities, thereby solidifying their economic roles and agency.
The study’s conclusions contribute significantly to the discourse on gender and agriculture by highlighting the nuanced realities of empowerment within rural Kenyan households. It offers a roadmap for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers aiming to foster inclusive agricultural economies where women’s labor and leadership are fully recognized and rewarded equitably.
Moving forward, integrating a more holistic approach that encompasses social norms, institutional reform, and business ecosystem development will be essential. Future research endeavors focusing on the multidimensional nature of empowerment stand to enrich understanding and inform more effective interventions that support women’s sustained economic participation and influence.
In sum, this research poignantly illustrates that women’s empowerment in the AIV sector is not merely a matter of production and sales but fundamentally involves securing control over income and decision-making. Addressing intra-household bargaining dynamics through land ownership, education, and market access holds promise for transforming gender relations in agriculture. Such transformation aligns squarely with the global ambition of attaining gender equality and sustainable development, affirming the indispensable role of women in shaping resilient, prosperous rural economies.
Subject of Research: Women’s empowerment and household welfare in the Kenyan African Indigenous Vegetable supply chain
Article Title: Women’s empowerment and household welfare in the Kenyan African Indigenous Vegetable supply chain
Article References:
Deißler, L., Krause, H. & Grote, U. Women’s empowerment and household welfare in the Kenyan African Indigenous Vegetable supply chain. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 604 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04832-w
Image Credits: AI Generated
