Peasant organisations in the development process in Kenya: opportunities and constraints

Abstract

This chapter operationalizes the role and impact of peasant organizations in Gatundu North division, Thika District, Kenya, on the basis of change, structural impediments, domination and exploitation, trust and ideological relations. Issues examined include: the origins, participation levels, and organization dynamics of peasant organizations; the underlying factors that encourage and inhibit women participation in peasant organizations; and the participation of peasant organizations in the rural development process. It is concluded that peasant organizations are important tools for reaching out to the peasantry in the development process in order to achieve gender justice and democratization.