Gendered Access and Control over Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) Resources among Rice Producers in Kilombero District, Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

Quality Declared Seed for increased agricultural productivity is pertinent to farmers. This study assessed the gendered access to and control over QDS resources among rice producers. A cross sectional research design was used, whereby a questionnaire was administered to 218 rice farmers in Kilombero District. Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant interviews were conducted to complement and allow triangulation of data. Descriptive statistics were analysed using SPSS, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data Specifically, SPSS computer software was used to analyse descriptive statistics such as Tab. The results show that access to credit was very low among farmers in the area even though women (45%) were found to have more access to credit than has been the case with men (13%). On the other hand, men were found to have more access to inputs (22%) and agricultural training (29%) than was the case with women. Women in the study area had access to land, but lacked control over it. Cultural barriers strongly affect and influence ownership of resources including land for rice Quality declared seed production among women farmers. ,. It is concluded that women get less benefits in rice QDS production due to poor access to and control of productive resources. There is a need of removing all cultural barriers by creating awareness on equitable access and proper control of productive resources among both men and women using gender sensitive programs in collaboration with relevant government machinery.