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Participation of women in the agribusiness industry
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe (NANGO)
June 30, 2012

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Introduction

Women are the majority labourers in the agricultural sector but this however, is not reflected in agribusiness industry as men tend to dominate this level. Major reasons for the women's exclusion are attitudinal, historical, legislative and cultural in nature. The reasons are also linked to women's limited access and control over key production resources such as land, livestock and equipment among others. Drawing from how women fared under the Fast Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe, this paper considers the participation of women in the agribusiness industry and the regulatory framework governing the agribusiness industry with the intention of providing recommendations to improve the participation of women in the agribusiness industry. In the paper, agribusiness is defined as denoting 'the collective business activities that are performed from farm to fork. It covers the supply of agricultural inputs, the production and transformation of agricultural products and their distribution to final consumers' (FAO, 2010).

Objectives of the study

The objectives of this paper are to:

• Investigate the nature and type of agribusiness activities in Zimbabwe and the extent to which women are involved
• Analyse current policies and legislation-their strengths and weaknesses in promoting women's participation in agribusiness
• Offer recommendations on how the gaps could be addressed

Study Methodology

This study used qualitative methodology to gather the required data. Primary and secondary sources were used to collect data on the participation of women in the agribusiness industry in Zimbabwe. Primary data came from consultative meetings held in the various regions where NANGO has regional offices. These include Harare, Masvingo, Mutare, Gweru and Bulawayo. These meetings made a deliberate effort to have women represented. NANGO regional coordinators facilitated and coordinated such meetings. Key informant interviews were held with key people in the various farmers' unions and associations that include the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, the Zimbabwe Women Poultry Farmers Trust, Domboshava Horticulture Association and Murewa Agriculture Producers Association, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development and the Ministry of Agriculture. The study also relied on review of existing documents, including books, policies, acts and by-laws.

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