Abstract:
Literature reveals that there is no consensus about how value chain
interventions contribute to gender equity and poverty alleviation among
different gender groups. This stuck was conducted to assess the prospect
for enhancing gender equity and alleviating poverty under formal and
informal market arrangements within the milk value chain in Tanzania. The
study also examined changes in gender roles and relations in the chain. A
cross-sectional research was designed and conducted in Tanga City and
Iringa Municipality. Proportionate and systematic sampling techniques
were used to identify respondents to participate in the study. Descriptive
statistics were computed using SPSS and ethnographic content analysis
was used to analyse qualitative data. The study Jo. und that men and women
are important actors in the milk value chain but the extent of their
participation cliffe r significantly. The participation of men and women in
the milk value chain has increased both their earnings and workload. There
are gender specific constraints that hinder the performance of Alen and
women in the milk value chain such as limitation on mobility, access to and
control of resources, WO decision making over income accrued "tom
dairying. Some traditional social norms and practices also hinder women's
participation in some activities within the value chain like engaging in
more rewarding milk markets. The study recommends that market
development programmes should understand location specific gender
contexts to avoid generic intervention that may exacerbate the existing
gender inequity.
