Factors Influencing Economic Empowerment of Women in Pastoral Communities in Kilgoris Constituency, Narok County

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight factors that affect the economic empowerment of pastoral women in Transmara West, Narok County. The objectives of this study are: to assess the extent to which culture influences economic empowerment of women in pastoral communities, to establish the extent to which level of education influences economic empowerment of women in pastoral communities, determine how political will influences economic empowerment of women in pastoral communities and ascertain the attitude of pastoral communities towards women. The significance of the study seeks to increase the understanding of the need to empower pastoral women, develop a comprehensive approach of dealing with factors influencing economic empowerment of women and the District Development office using these findings to fast track economic empowerment of women in pastoral communities. The basic assumption of the study is that respondents will be willing to give information honestly as required, and that the information provided will be accurate and reliable. There will be minimal cases of classified information and cultural barriers shall be overcome. Funding will be sufficient as well as time to conduct the study. The theoretical framework of this research is based on Ruth Pearson's framework on gender relations. It is appropriate for this study since it is consistent with AMREF's (1996:4) perspective which identifies social differences between men and women that are learned, are changeable over time and have wide variations between various cultures. It identifies and understands the roles of women and men within a given context (AMREF,1996:4). It argues that biases of women and men are affected nearly in all aspects of life such as business, environmental conservation and development projects. The research methodology in this study involves descriptive research survey where the researcher gathers useful information, summarizes data, interprets and presents results. It can be used when collecting information about people's attitudes, opinions or any of variety of education or social issues (Orodho and Kombo, 2002). Adults, females and youths will be selected using stratified random sampling technique. It is advantageous because its results can be generalized to a larger population. This method also permits the researcher to apply inferential statistics to the data and provides equal opportunity of selection for each element of the population. All the individuals in the defined population have an equal and independent chance of being selected as a member of the sample. An approximate sample size of 300 will be identified for interview using the 95% confidence level, with a margin error of 5.0%. Data collection instruments will include use of printed copies of questionnaires. These will be distributed to sampled respondents. Methods of data analysis will entail collecting raw data. It will be first edited, coded classified and captured. Statistical packages for social sciences computer programme will be used to analyse the classified data. The findings in this study may be useful in developing policies targeting the economic empowerment of women from pastoral communities. The women Fund, Social Services Department, Ministry of education, peace committees, District Development Office, and other development partners may find the study useful in understanding the phenomenon of women empowerment for further interventions.