Assessing the influence of gender relations on agro- enterprise mixes among house holds reached by NARO funded project

Abstract

This study set out to assess the influence of gender relations on Agro Enterprise Mixes (AEMs). The AEMs refer to agricultural farming practices where a farmer engages in more than one agriculture enterprise on the same farm. A number of households reached by projects funded by NARO were encouraged to take on Agro Enterprise Mixes so as to enhance productivity and profitability. The study assessed how gender relations seen through levels of access to, control over resources and decision making between men and women in participating households, influenced productivity and profitability. The study also explored perceptions on gender relations among farmers practicing Agro Enterprise Mixes. A cross sectional study design was adopted because it allows for the collection of data on a number of variables at the same time. Both qualitative (through the use of key informant interviews, focus group discussions, documentary analysis and observation) and quantitative data (through the use of a survey) were collected. Quantitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), while the qualitative data was thematically analysed. This was a multisite study therefore participants were selected from five districts of Masaka, Mpigi, Wakiso, Butambala and Mukono. In each district 30 Agro Enterprise Mixes from two sub counties working with NARO projects were randomly selected for the survey. The key findings indicate that majority (70.2%) of the mixed enterprise ownership were male. Personal land ownership was 51% and Kibanja (tenants) holders were 34.3 %. Considering size of farm holding, few women had more than 4 acres of land. Women worked as co-owners with their husbands. Findings further show that male AEM farmers were assisted by their wives and elder children. In conclusions, farmers chose to practice Agro Enterprise Mixes deliberately hoping for higher benefits such as improved income, gained from increased productivity. Improved gender relations seen from joint decision making, equitable access to and control over resources influenced selection of mixes. By men and women working together in decision making improve AEM productivity and profitability. A confirmation that effective participation of both the men and women in household decisions is vital if increased productivity and profitability is to be realised. It was recommended that in order to achieve high returns in NARO funded projects, the planning, design and implementation of the Agro Enterprise Mixes among household should promote gender equality and inclusive decision making. This will ensure that both men and women participate in making important decisions that inform selection choices, access to and use of resources. which in turn influence productivity and profitability.