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Gender analysis of access and control of resources and livelihoods in pastoral livelihood systems: the case of Kurikuri Community land in Laikipia County, Kenya

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Abstract

The differentiation of gender roles is highly prevalent in pastoral societies and often results in women and men having unequal access and control over resources and livelihoods, mostly at the disadvantage of women. However, there is inadequate empirical research and thus information concerning the gender dimensions of pastoralists’ livelihood systems. The study aimed to it aimed to analyze gender roles in access and control of resources and livelihoods in pastoral livelihood systems. The study used a participatory study design and purposive sampling method. Data collection was done using participatory data collection methods. The study found that gender determines access and control of resources and livelihoods in the study area. Also, gender roles are biased and place disproportionate burdens on women. However, women in the study area play a critical role in providing for their household’s needs and in the area’s economic development. Therefore, improving local women’s access to and control of resources and livelihoods is key to improving the household’s well-being and enhancing the area’s economic development. The study will enhance recognition of the role of women and inform planning and policy-making processes to effectively address gender issues in pastoral communities.

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Data availability

The data collected for the study is available publicly in the Fig Share data repository. https://figshare.com/account/home

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the Kurikuri Community members who participated and gave information during the data collection exercise of the study.

Funding

The authors did not receive any external funding for the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

CGK was involved in designing the study, field data collection, data analysis, and writing of the paper. TMG was involved in designing the study, data analysis, and writing of the paper.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Caxton Gitonga Kaua.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical approval

The study was undertaken after consultation with the Kurikuri Community Land Committee which allowed for the study to be undertaken with the participation of community members.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all participants and/or their legal guardians for participation in the study.

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Kaua, C.G., Gitonga, T.M. Gender analysis of access and control of resources and livelihoods in pastoral livelihood systems: the case of Kurikuri Community land in Laikipia County, Kenya. SN Soc Sci 3, 167 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-023-00754-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-023-00754-z

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