Wage Employment in Sugarcane Outgrower Schemes in Kilombero Tanzania: A Gender Perspective

Abstract

This study investigated wage employment within sugarcane outgrower schemes in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, with a specific focus on gender perspectives. Employing the case study design, the study involved the population of 3,987 with a sample size of 399 drawn from four villages within the Kilombero Valley. Data underwent descriptive analysis, utilising percentages and cross-tabulation techniques. Furthermore, the Chi-square ascertained the association between gender of the household heads and their involvement in labour market practices. The findings highlight that female-headed households show a higher tendency towards engaging in selling labour while male-headed households are more likely to hire labour. In light of these findings, this study suggests that to address these disparities effectively, gender-sensitive interventions in the agricultural sector are necessary, including providing women with equal access to resources, implementing policies promoting gender equality and establishing support networks to empower women in agriculture.