Abstract:
A study on the influence of women groups on income and gender relations in dairy
farming was carried in Arumeru district. The study aimed at determining sources of
household income, differences in income from dairy production between women in groups
and those not in groups and to investigate gender relations in management of dairy
production. The study was conducted in six villages namely Bangata, Sasi, Inshupu,
Enaboishu, Sokoni II and Nkoaranga whereby both women in dairy farming groups and
those not in groups were surveyed. Cross sectional research design was adopted using
structured questionnaires to collect information from households. Furthermore, an in depth
interview with key informants was done to gather more information on dairy farming.
Statistical Package for Social Sciencies (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Chi-square and
t-test were used to test the statistical significance of categorical and continuous data
respectively. In addition, regression model was used to investigate the effect of group
membership in determining income from dairy farming. Results from the study showed
that revenues from dairy products such as fresh milk, sour milk and butter brought more
income than other sources. It was also found that group membership was not a determinant
of income from dairy farming though women in groups had access to several benefits such
as access to loans, training, provision of dairy cattle etc. It was also observed that being in
groups assisted women to overcome traditional men dominance which blocked their rights
in decision making and owning resources. To improve performance of women’s group in
dairy farming, it was recommended that, women groups should get more financial
assistance from the government, local NGO’s and donors. In conjunction with
encouraging more women to join groups, gender relations in dairy management should be
reassessed to minimize the work load burden to women, which affects the level of
production.
