Milk Value Chain, Gender Equity and Poverty Alleviation in Tanzania

Literature reveals that there is no consensus about how value chain interventions contribute to gender equity and poverty alleviation among different gender groups. This study was conducted to assess the prospect for enhancing gender equity and alleviating poverty under formal and informal market arrangements within the milk value chain in Tanzania. The study also examined changes in gender roles and relations in the chain. A cross-sectional research was designed and conducted in Tanga City and Iringa Municipality. Proportionate and systematic sampling techniques were used to identify respondents to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS and ethnographic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that men and women are important actors in the milk value chain but the extent of their participation differ significantly. The participation of men and women in the milk value chain has increased both their earnings and workload. There are gender specific constraints that hinder the performance of men and women in the milk value chain such as limitation on mobility, access to and control of resources, and decision making over income accrued from dairying. Some traditional social norms and practices also hinder women's participation in some activities within the value chain like engaging in more rewarding milk markets. The study recommends that market development programmes should understand location specific gender contexts to avoid generic intervention that may exacerbate the existing gender inequity.