From one kernel to shattering the green ceiling:

The link between female empowerment and maize productivity in Kenya

In a small village in Western Kenya under the blazing sun, a few women are covered in dirt as they plant crops for the next season. These women are not just farmers, however, but savvy entrepreneurs that are making a difference both on and off the fields.

Maize is an example of one crop that women farmers in Western Kenya use as a source of nourishment and income in many of these rural households. However, maize is more than just a crop in this sub-Saharan region. It has become an agent for social change to reduce the gender gap in agriculture.

A recent study in the PLOS One investigated the link between female empowerment and maize productivity in Kenya. The researchers found that the inclusion of women in the agricultural sector, particularly in African countries such as Kenya, has many positive impacts on economic and development outcomes.  Kenyan women account for somewhere between 42% and 65% of the agricultural sector. Despite their important role in agriculture, women still face many gender barriers such as lack of land ownership and access to resources and access to credit markets (land is a major form of collateral, and the gender gap continues to widen from here).

Empowerment in the agricultural sector means that women have equality in accessibility and decision-making. For example, empowerment corresponds to women having access to fertilizers, a major role in household finances and access to assets and credit. Also, when women have a stronger presence in the agricultural sector, then they also have stronger social connections.  On a macro level, empowering women contributes to food security, reduces poverty, and builds resilience in the midst of climate change. As the research shows, the recognition of women’s contributions to economic and social growth means that households and communities have a pathway towards creating a more equitable future.

Women’s empowerment is the key to closing the gender gap in agriculture and the women farmers in the Kenyan village of Tunyai are taking charge of the fields and changing the landscape of farming to an agricultural model that makes “cents”. These female farmer/activists formed the self-help group, The Muchore Mutethia  have taken on the responsibility to advance the voice of women in the agricultural sector. Their decision to specialize in the production of the drought-resistant crop, sorghum, and sell it to the largest malt beer manufacturer in the region, East African Breweries Limited, has improved their own households and community.

A member of the Muchore Mutethia self-help group winnows some dry sorghum. (Sophie Mbugua)

Empowerment improves a woman’s status both in and out of the household.This presence also gives them access to not only the labor market and earning power for their households, but it also increases entry to agricultural markets and services. Going back to the real-life example of The Muchore Mutethia highlights the reaping benefits of empowered women in agribusiness. Their decision to practice contract farming has given them greater presence in their community and beyond as well as a steady flow of guaranteed income while improving food security. For example, their decision to specialize in cultivating and selling sorghum is an example of climate-smart agriculture. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach that helps steer actions towards supporting development and ensuring food security.  Other spillover effects from their climate-smart agricultural practices have led to an increase in student retention in schools in the village because families now have the funds to pay for school fees and decreased alcohol consumption among the men. These women view food security as “having money in your pocket and having the power to purchase food for your family whenever you need it.”