VALUE CHAIN INTERVENTION STRATEGIES AND GENDER OUTCOMES: A STUDY OF SHEA ACTORS IN NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of value chain intervention strategies on gender outcomes. The study was conducted in the Sagnarigu District, Tolon District, and Tamale Metropolitan. Simple random sampling, and Purposive sampling methods were used to identify and collect data from 150 shea actors. The research revealed that 68.7 per cent of shea actors had no formal education, and 18 per cent had non-formal education. The research also revealed that shea actors benefitted from both specific and generic value chain interventions. Majority of the actors, 88.3 per cent, of shea actors have benefitted from VSLA, which they stated, helped them towards catering for the educational needs of their children, helped them solve financial issues within families, and aided in healthrelated issues. The shea actors had access to modern and time saving equipments due to support from SeKaf and SNV. Minority of the actors, 36.7 per cent stated that they were able to access equipments such as kneaders, grinding mills, and crushers because of the interventions they received. Generally, there has been a significant change in the empowerment levels of the shea actors after interventions as compared to before interventions. Domestic Consultation Index, and Household Decision Making Index were high for the shea actors. However, Personal Autonomy Index, and Freedom of Movement Index were at the same levels as before interventions. Further results however, showed that women found it difficult to take part in decision making processes within the community as seen in the results for shea actor role in community managing and politics where the female shea actors stated they had low, and very low participatory roles there. The study recommends more sensitisation be done to educate shea actors and the general public on the importance of involving females in decision making processes that go beyond the household because women’s contribution to the development of any economy should not and cannot be undermined.