Gender Disparity in Member Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives in Kenya

Monica Chepkurui, The Cooperative University of Kenya
Douglas Anyona, The Cooperative University of Kenya
David Obonyo, Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Cherie Enns, University of the Fraser Valley
Isaac Nyamongo, The Cooperative University of Kenya

Women play a significant role in agricultural and rural economies in developing countries yet they remain greatly underrepresented in agricultural cooperatives leadership positions. We evaluated various dimensions of identity, including education level, household size, average income among others on women’s membership and participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kiambu, Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties in Kenya. Quantitative data was collected from 510 women members drawn from 18 agricultural cooperatives across the three counties. Results indicate significant associations between women’s membership in cooperatives and various factors such as household type, marital status, education level, number of children in household, principal income earner in household, value chain and land ownership. Men dominated management boards, supervisory committees, delegates and employees, while women formed majority of cooperative membership and attendance of cooperative meetings. Findings suggest that by targeting specific socio-economic and demographic factors, membership and participation of women in agricultural cooperatives can be enhanced.