Analysis Gender Roles in Beef Cattle Value Chain: In West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Gender is an important aspect of beef cattle value chain analysis since gender relations both affect and are affected by the ways in which the value chains function. Gender issues fundamentally shape the totality of production, distribution and consumption within an economy but have often been overlooked in value chain development. Thus, understanding gender relationships and adjusting methods and messages is crucial for the full participation and benefits of all the community. The study was aimed at analyzing Gender Roles in beef cattle value chain in Toke Kutaye and Bako Tibe Districts, West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for the study. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data for this study were collected from 376 producers, 30 fatteners, 20 traders, 10 butchers, 12 hotels, 2 local abattoirs and 10 consumers; totally 460 respondents by using interview schedule, site visit and personal observation. Data analysis was made using descriptive and inferential statistics and gender analysis frameworks. The results of Harvard Analytical Framework showed that at the lower stage of beef cattle value chain there were contributions of all gender categories and the marketing activities of beef cattle value chain were dominated by men’s role. Men have more access to and control of resources than women along the beef cattle value chain activities. But there is a probability that both men and women have almost equal benefit from resources along the beef cattle value chain. It was concluded that men, women, boys and girls participation in marketing, access to and control of resources are not equal in beef cattle value chain. Therefore, the recommendation was empowering women by improving their access to resources and services, control over the resources and gender mainstreaming in the value chain.