Conceptualizing intra-household gender roles and power dynamics within the cassava food value chains : lessons from qualitative evidence among Tanzanian smallholder farmers

Abstract

Most subsistence crops that fall in low-value chains, such as cassava, are controlled mainly by women; hence, intra-household gender roles and power dynamics are complex and depend on socio-economic and cultural contexts. Cassava food value chains contribute to the immediate food and income household needs of marginalized and vulnerable rural communities where agriculture is a significant livelihood. However, few studies have explicitly documented how perceived low-value agricultural commodity value chains transform intra-household social relations and resource ownership, benefit sharing, and how, in turn, these value chains are affected by these micro-level processes. The primary objective in designing this framework was to highlight the importance of gendered interactions at the microscale through an analysis of the changing roles, responsibilities, and bargaining power of women and men within the cassava value chains at the household level. A cross-sectional survey involving focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and an ethnographic approach was undertaken using repeated household visits during data collection. Qualitative data analysis used content analysis to identify key themes from focus group discussions about intra-household gender power dynamics. The framework was derived from analyzing the empirical findings from Tanzania’s smallholder farming sector underpinned by the Colfer and Minarchek framework. The findings refute the assumption of unitary household preferences along the gender axis, given the intricate relationships in the multi-sectoral smallholder farming space. By emphasizing intra-household gender power dynamics, the framework helps to identify gender inequalities emanating from skewed resource ownership, limited women participation, unequal benefit sharing, and power relations within the cassava food value chain. The study recommends policy shifts for women to own productive resources such as land, reduced export taxes, access to finance, and rewarding markets for cassava value chain actors. This study resonates with global and regional policy initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063: Africa We Want in enhancing gender equality, reducing poverty, and ensuring food and nutrition security. The framework will facilitate the development of gender-sensitive intervention programs for upgrading and strengthening women's participation in cassava food value chains.