Role of Gender on the Growth of the Export Horticulture Industry in Kenya: a Case of Yatta Constituency, Machakos County

Abstract

The horticulture industry particularly the export subsector has been singled out as one that contributes substantially to the impressive growth for enterprises in the agriculture sector. The horticulture industries involve men and women at different levels and in different ways in both urban and rural areas. These enterprises employ 70% women who are either unskilled or semi-skilled and are employed on a casual basis or on short seasonal contracts (FPEAK, 2011). Despite these efforts, gender inequalities persist and women remain invisible as significant actors in driving economic growth particularly at the macro level where growth indicators are designed. This study sought to investigate the role of gender on the growth of horticulture industry which is the fastest growing and third in contributing to the national GDP. Thus, the study sought to establish the role of gender on the growth of the export horticulture industry in Kenya with special focus on Yataa constituency, Machakos County. The study adopted a descriptive research design as it entailed description and analysis of the culture and behaviour of humans and their groups from the point of view of those being studied. There study randomly selected a sample of 59 women from the study population for the questionnaire. In addition, the study interviewed Key informants who were the leaders and staff from the ministry of Agriculture in the region. Qualitative data collected from open ended questions and from the key informants were analyzed through thematic analysis while Quantitative data collected from closed ended questions was analyzed by the use Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 21) and the data presented by use of descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. The study revealed that female entrepreneurs perceive success as the ability to control their own destinies, while males viewed success in terms of achieving goals and financial profitability. The research revealed that informal networks and associations play multiple roles in providing services and act as avenues for mobilizing social finance which influence growth of enterprise. The study concludes that the horticultural industry has a very high potential in ensuring growth and empowering women entrepreneurs. The study recommends that the sector should be developed and well equipped to meet the demands of modern times. Through innovations and investment in technology, the horticultural ...........