Gender relations in farmer groups’ performance: Voices of Women in Western Kenya

The gender role in farmer groups’ performance is a feminism debate that often emerges in feminist studies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The debate challenges the question of why feminism has not been enthused in rural farm yet women’s activities in rural agriculture are characterized by global gender gaps in policy-level biases, community-level structural inequalities, vulnerabilities and increased masculinization of resources. This study examines the gender dynamics and challenges faced by rural women in farmer groups in Bungoma County and farmer associations in Siaya County in western Kenya. The study draws on the African feminist theory to explore the lived narratives of rural women identified through purposive sampling in a focus group discussions guided by African oral tradition of storytelling. The study uncovers a gendered division of labour, limited decision-making power, and unequal access to resources. Women encounter gender biases and stereotypes that undermine women’s capabilities in commercial farming. Despite these challenges, some women farmers exhibited resilience and resourceful-ness, actively seek knowledge, join farmers groups/associations, and assume leadership roles to improve their farming practices and income generation. Recommendations include promoting gender equality, enhancing resource access, strengthening farmer organizations, providing training, encouraging women’s participation in decision-making, fostering market linkages, and supporting empowerment. Implementation of these recommendations can create an inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, empowering women farmers and improving their livelihoods in western Kenya. Key words: Gender relations; Farmer groups/association; Lived experiences; Western Kenya; Women