Small farmers for a food system transition: Evidence from Kenya and Tanzania by Nunzia Borrelli Patrick Ndakidemi

Author:Nunzia Borrelli, Patrick Ndakidemi [Nunzia Borrelli, Patrick Ndakidemi]
Language: ita
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Anthropology, Cultural & Social
ISBN: 9788855262019
Google: Yw_WDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Ledizioni
Published: 2020-03-10T04:17:25+00:00

Figure 8. Women’s involvement in decisions in the farm by topic: decision to plant, decision to sell and involvement in harvesting

Discussion and conclusions

The object of our analysis – the situation of small farmers in the Kenya region – is quite interesting. The small farmers interviewed were found to have a certain sensibility and attention for local productions, the Indigenous Vegetables, and for the employment of non-treated seeds.

Side by side with this strong interest, many difficulties come to light for small farmers, mainly concerning the ways by which is possible for them to acquire knowledge and competence. In fact, small farmers assert that they can get information mostly by means of mass-communication devices (the radio), while extension services seem to be less effective. They also affirm to be in difficulty especially regarding the sale of their products, because of the interference of middlemen who highly influence the price of goods.

The last issue worth reporting concerns the condition of women. Despite being the main protagonists of foodstuff’s production, they are seldom direct owners of the land, with the result of being in a subordinate position. Three dimensions of gender dynamic were investigated: ownership of women, women’s involvement in decision making processes and women’s activities. They are active in all the traditional farming activities like ploughing, planting and harvesting. The only area of work in which men overrepresent women are more physical works like taking the crops to the market and warehouses. However, the involvement of women in farming and selling activities does not mean that they are equally considered when decisions have to be taken. Women are involved, totally or partially, when it is time to take decisions about farming, consuming and selling activities. Indeed, in most of the questions about decisions, it was found that women are involved in all cases. Thus, the framework that emerges from our sample is that of farms were women are active members of the activity, both in the decisional and concrete dimensions3. Despite high levels of contribution to farming activities and decisions, women of the sample are marginal in terms of land ownership.

The Gilgil sample is characterized by important elements of sustainability: farm management and crop growing practices are highly desirable, thanks to employment of local seeds and a highly diversified production. Furthermore, crops residual and animal droppings (usually considered as waste) are usually employed for compost-making or as natural manure, reducing the level of waste.

Besides aspects related to production, even post production activities are important, especially waste management. Post-production and livestock waste management is particularly important for environmental reasons; and a more aware management of waste is a crucial point for more environmentally sustainable farms. From field detection, it appears that the sample have, on average, a good level of waste management, contributing in enhancing the level of sustainability of Gilgil farms. Besides, farmers appear highly interested in gaining new knowledge about correct and sustainable practices of waste management.

Two major weaknesses may jeopardize the development of Gilil rural areas: on the one hand, problems

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