Women‘s access to and control over the 5 forms of capital in Machakos town sub-county, Kenya
Date
2023-07-07
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Abstract
This mixed-methods study examines female small livestock owners’ five forms of capital (personal, human, social, financial, and physical) in Kola and Kalama wards of Machakos Town sub-county, Kenya. Based on analyses of 39 individual interviews and focus group discussions we analyze how the complex and dynamic position of smallholder women farmers at the household and community level is influenced by local culture and politics. Gender intersects with ethnicity, age, socio-economic status, education, and marital status to create patterns of disadvantage and marginalization from resources including decision-making. Men use all forms of violence to control most forms of capital. The only forms of capital which women have some control over are physical capital (small livestock such as chickens, goats) and social capital (groups, networks). Strategically, these women have developed a “code of conduct” that uses their social capital to achieve their goals. Women’s groups provide opportunities for women to increase their power in their households and in their communities, and social networks can be targeted for interventional research aimed at increasing access to livestock vaccines and veterinary services.
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Keywords
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, LIVESTOCK VACCINE VALUE CHAIN, VETERINARY SERVICES, GENDER, INTERSECTIONALITY, SOCIAL CAPITAL, KENYA, SOUTH OF SAHARA