Browsing by Author "Jeckoniah John Nshimba"

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    Understanding gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making in small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District, Tanzania
    (IIMT Journal of Management, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah John Nshimba; Salanga Raymond J.
    Purpose – Resource access and decision-making power remain critical gender concerns. This paper examines gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making among smallholder rice farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized a cross-sectional research design with mixed-method approaches. Quantitative data from 397 smallholder rice farmers were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression models. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings – The study reveals that access to irrigation resources was mediated through multiple sources of power derived from the economic status of farmers, land ownership, marriage and social capital, shaping access differently for male and female farmers. Males dominated decision-making over land, labor, income and farming equipment, with exclusive irrigation water access rights. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being male increased the decision-making power (coef. 5 0.890, p < 0.05). Factors like land size, scheme membership and joint farm management were positively associated with male decision-making power and marriage and joint rice selling enhanced female farmers (p < 0.01). Practical implications – The findings provide valuable insights for development practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the persistent gender inequalities in irrigation resources and decision-making. These insights inform practical and policy interventions to promote gender equality in resource access and decision-making. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature on how gender power relations shape irrigation resource access and decision-making, underscoring the need for gender-specific interventions to promote gender equality in resources.