Exploring gender dynamics in Malawi’s agricultural commercialisation
Written by: Mirriam Matita and Loveness Msofi
As Malawi undergoes a significant shift towards agricultural commercialisation, a recent study led by APRA researchers Loveness Msofi Mgalamadzi, Mirriam Matita, and Masautso Chimombo sheds light on the intricate gender dynamics at play within smallholder households. While commercialisation is often seen as a means to modernise agriculture and improve livelihoods, this transition can also deepen social inequalities, particularly in terms of gender roles within households.
Impact on household dynamics
Published on July 6, 2024, the research highlights how commercialisation is shaping household decision-making and spending patterns, revealing the gendered nature of these changes. In many smallholder households, men are often the primary decision-makers regarding which plots to cultivate and how the income is managed. This concentration of power in the hands of men has significant implications for resource allocation, often leading to investments that do not align with women’s needs or priorities.
According to a CARE study, when women control income, they tend to spend more on children’s nutrition, health and education and less on household and productive assets, including farm inputs, when compared to men. This difference in spending underscores the varying priorities between men and women.
The research also identifies a growing trend of men becoming more involved in crops traditionally managed by women, such as groundnuts. While this shift could increase household income, it often results in men taking control of marketing and income, areas previously overseen by women. This change has a dual impact: it may boost income but also reduces women’s control over their economic activities, exacerbating existing inequalities. “As commercialisation progresses, we need mechanisms to ensure that the added income benefits both men and women equally,” asserts Loveness.
Interestingly, the study found that households headed by women are just as active in pursuing market opportunities as those headed by men. However, women’s participation in these markets is often limited by a lack of access to resources, such as funds and inputs, restricting their ability to fully engage in the commercialisation process and further entrenching gender inequalities. “We need to level the playing field,” says Mirriam.
Implications for policy
The study concludes that there is a critical need for targeted interventions to address gender disparities. Programmes should be designed to meet the diverse needs of women, particularly those who lack access to productive resources or decision-making power. This could include social protection programmes for women unable to farm and empowerment initiatives to foster joint decision-making within households. Mirriam suggests that continued engagement and education are needed: “Women often do not use their social networks to bridge market participation. Education and training should focus on market participation, savings, investments, and prioritising expenditures for enterprise success,” she explains.
Moreover, commercialisation efforts must go beyond simply targeting men and women as separate groups. Instead, they should embed equality interventions that aim to prevent the deepening of social inequalities. Gender dialogue sessions and participatory approaches can help ensure that commercialisation benefits are shared more equitably, promoting harmony within households and empowering women to play a more active role in the commercialisation process.
This research provides valuable insights into the gendered nature of agricultural commercialisation in Malawi, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by women in smallholder households. By focusing on these disparities, policymakers and development practitioners can help ensure that the benefits of commercialisation are equitably distributed, fostering greater gender equality in Malawian communities.
Photo credit: © Loveness Msofi