Understanding gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making in small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District, Tanzania
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IIMT Journal of Management
Abstract
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.
Description
Research paper, pp. 278-295
Keywords
Gender, Power relations, Irrigation, Resources, Access, Decision-making
Citation
https://www.emerald.com/insight/2976-7261.htm