A gendered approach to the goat value chain analysis: A case study of Mbire District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study evaluated the functionality of the goat value chain from a gender perspective in a rural district of Zimbabwe prone to crop failure due to droughts and flooding in some parts. Using KII and a semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected from a random sample of 112 farmers in five wards of Mbire district and analyzed for three gender categories: males in male-headed households (MHH), females in male-headed households (Female - MHH) and females in female-headed households (Female - FHH). Results showed that women played a significant role in goat feeding, disease detection and treatment, and were the major owners of goats. However, they rarely had control over income from goat sales despite owning the majority of the goats. Goat production was profitable and economically viable, but gender dynamics influenced decision-making and income control. Therefore, development projects promoting gender transformative strategies should conduct an analysis of gender relations that impact control of income from goats by women within households and communities, to develop context-specific and relevant strategies for impactful transformative changes. The integration of gender-sensitive amenities at the institutional level is also recommended.

Keywords: Gender dynamics, goat production, smallholder farmers, value chain, Zimbabwe