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Inequality of Value and Gender (dis)Empowerment along the Horticultural Value Chain in Malawi: The Role of Supermarkets and other Big Players

Author

Listed:
  • Ngepah, Ruth

    (School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

  • Ngepah, Nicholas

    (School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

  • Saba, Charles S.

    (School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

Abstract

This study investigates to what extent smallholder women farmers can access supermarkets and the horticultural value chain in Malawi. The data used was obtained through a survey among farmers and other players in the value chain. The data was analyzed and the results revealed significant women marginalization across all dimensions within the horticultural value chain. This study discloses that smallholder women farmers are undermined in decisions involving the choice of crops; what land sizes to own; where to sell their products; and the use of earned money. The results from this study underscore the importance of policy intervention to correct the existing inequalities. Disuguaglianza di valore e (de)potenziamento di genere nella catena di valore orticola in Malawi:il ruolo dei supermercati e altri grandi soggetti Questo articolo studia l’accesso alla grande distribuzione delle piccole imprese agricole guidate da donne ed il loro ruolo nella catena del valore orticola in Malawi. I dati utilizzati provengono da un’indagine svolta presso gli agricoltori ed altri soggetti della catena del valore. Dai risultati ottenuti si evidenzia una significativa marginalizzazione femminile a tutti i livelli della catena del valore orticola. Si evidenzia altresì che le imprenditrici agricole hanno minore possibilità di decisione circa la scelta del raccolto, le terre da possedere, i luoghi dove vendere i loro prodotti e la gestione dei ricavi. È stata riscontrata una disuguaglianza di genere nella possibilità di ricevere sovvenzioni, anche tra pari livello. I risultati di questo studio sottolineano l’importanza di interventi destinati a contrastare queste disuguaglianze.

Suggested Citation

  • Ngepah, Ruth & Ngepah, Nicholas & Saba, Charles S., 2024. "Inequality of Value and Gender (dis)Empowerment along the Horticultural Value Chain in Malawi: The Role of Supermarkets and other Big Players," Economia Internazionale / International Economics, Camera di Commercio Industria Artigianato Agricoltura di Genova, vol. 77(4), pages 607-660.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:ecoint:0985
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender (dis)Empowerment; Smallholder Farmers; Horticultural Value Chain;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • Q13 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Markets and Marketing; Cooperatives; Agribusiness

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