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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until June 01, 2025

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Social Inclusivity and Equitable Development: Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Rural Communities of Kenya

Gatonye, Margaret

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, African Studies (International Studies).
Women play an important role in the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector in Kenya. They constitute between 45% and 60% of the farmers in the broader agricultural sector. Through this paper I examine the role that small-scale women fish farmers play in ensuring self-reliance and socioeconomic growth. The research data were collected in the form of interviews, participatory observations, and archival materials as my method. The target population was Central and Western Kenya, specifically Kakamega, Kisii, Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties. I argue that while women play a pivotal role in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, they are often neglected as participants in the decision-making process of the policies aimed at its development. Through the research, I found that women played a role in each aspect of the sector, but were more inclined to the value addition, processing, and marketing of fish, while men were more involved in production, particularly site selection, pond construction, and how capital would be used. Women’s participation in the sector was limited by various factors, with limited land ownership and difficulties in accessing finance as the main factors affecting them. Likewise, I found that there exist gender biases when it comes to cultural, religious, dietary practice, and gender dynamics. Women in the research areas also integrated fish farming with diversified livelihood strategies in an attempt to increase their income and self-reliance. I make three policy recommendations: increased dialogue between the key stakeholders to influence policy reforms about gender bias and disparity; an equitable access to resources; and an increase in support from the government and other NGOs to AAK and other similar organizations that can help improve their capability.
Elizabeth Wangui, PhD (Committee Chair)
Risa Whitson, PhD (Committee Member)
Geoffrey Dabelko, PhD (Committee Member)
104 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Gatonye, M. (2020). Social Inclusivity and Equitable Development: Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Rural Communities of Kenya [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586540674871228

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Gatonye, Margaret. Social Inclusivity and Equitable Development: Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Rural Communities of Kenya. 2020. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586540674871228.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Gatonye, Margaret. "Social Inclusivity and Equitable Development: Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Rural Communities of Kenya." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586540674871228

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)