Gender Dynamics in Beekeeping: An Examination of Roles of Men and Women in the Beekeeping Value Chain in Chamwino District, Tanzania

Dahlia Mapunda Siwatu; Emmanuel Fred Nzunda; Yonika Mathew Ngaga

doi:10.37284/eajab.7.2.2243

Dahlia Mapunda Siwatu Sokoine University of Agriculture
Emmanuel Fred Nzunda Sokoine University of Agriculture
Yonika Mathew Ngaga Sokoine University of Agriculture

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.2.2243

Keywords: Gender Roles, Beekeeping Value Chain, Access to Markets, Credit Services, and Socio-Economic Factors

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Abstract

Information on gender specific contribution and challenges within the beekeeping values chain is vital for shaping policies that promote gender equity and enhance productivity. This study examined gender dynamics in beekeeping, focusing on the roles of men and women in the value chain. Using cross - sectional design, 265 individuals were surveyed, and interviewed. Descriptive statistics summarized respondent’s demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, while binary logistic regression identified factors influencing involvement in beekeeping. The findings found that most respondents (81.1%) were males aged 41-60 years, and over 80% were married. A majority (87.2%) were heads of their families, and over 60% had incomes below 1,500,000TZS. Most respondents (57.7%) involved in beekeeping as a part-time activity. Men were engaged in apiary preparation, placing hives, honey harvesting and selling with women’s involvement significantly lower across most beekeeping activities. Older men, household heads from large families, and those attending seminars were more involved. Factors such as a gender, family size, household position, age, education, income, seminar attendance, technology, market access, and number of beehives influencing involvement, with a p – value of < 0.05, indicating strong associations with beekeeping activity levels. The illustrated notable gender disparities in beekeeping, with the beekeeping, with men dominating key activities compared to women

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