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This paper argues that for any community transformation to be achieved, cultural values and legal frameworks, which influence issues relating to land rights and food security, must form an integral part of any policy intervention efforts. We adopted feminism as both a methodological and an analytical framework. The dominant research paradigm was qualitative. The study sample was 184 people obtained using a systematic sampling method. Data collection was through focus groups and interviews. We challenge contemporary development initiatives, in terms of their intentions and sustainability. Finally, it is important that any development initiatives facilitate the participation and involvement of all genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper theorizes the gendered consequences of refugee dispossession for social reproduction, focusing on Ethiopian refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. We analyze the Kenyan refugee regime as structured by colonial legacies of racialization and by neo-colonial global political economy strategies of managing 'surplus' populations. We demonstrate that refugees' ongoing experiences of interpersonal and structural violence constitutes an attack on their capacity for social reproduction and argue the 'feminization of refugee survival' is an important gendered consequence. We identify two transnational displacements that produce a new form of racialized enclosure and the alienation of refugees from the means of social reproduction. The first transnational displacement occurs due to their dispossession from support infrastructure for social reproduction in their origin country, and in the host country. A second, invisible but racialized transnational displacement is the refusal of global North countries to take on the anticipated welfare costs of refugee social reproduction. Transformative and re-generative approaches to refugee social reproduction would need to address both forms of displacement. The paper thus urges IPE scholarship to recognize that the crisis of refugee social reproduction is not only produced by global capitalist regimes, but also deeply structured by gendered, racialized, and colonial hierarchies of inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Critical African Studies is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Contraceptive use among young women in Nairobi remains low despite high general knowledge of family planning (FP) methods. This paper draws on social norms theory to explore the role of key influencers (partners, parents and friends) in women's FP use and how women anticipate normative reactions or sanctions. Methods: A qualitative study with 16 women, 10 men and 14 key influencers across 7 peri-urban wards in Nairobi, Kenya. Interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by phone. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Women identified parents, specifically mothers, aunts, partners, friends and healthcare workers as key influencers on FP. Their interactions with these key influencers varied based on trust, the information they needed about FP, and whether they perceived a key influencer to perpetuate or challenge existing social norms on FP. Mothers were perceived to understand the social risks of using FP and thus could advise on discreet FP use, and aunts were trusted and approachable sources to impartially describe the benefits and drawbacks of FP. Although women identified partners as key FP decision makers, they were cognisant of possible power imbalances affecting a final FP choice. Conclusions: FP interventions should consider the normative influence key actors have on women's FP choices. Opportunities to design and deliver network-level interventions which seek to engage with social norms surrounding FP in order to challenge misconceptions and misinformation among key influencers should be explored. Intervention design should consider dynamics of secrecy, trust and emotional closeness that mediate discussions of FP to address changing norms. Further training to change norms held by healthcare providers about why women, in particular unmarried young women, access FP should be provided to reduce barriers for FP access. Plain language summary: Women's decisions to use family planning (FP) are influenced by social norms, the unwritten rules of appropriate actions within social networks, and are shaped by advice and information received from key influencers—important individuals who shape what is acceptable within social networks. The aim of this study was to understand how key influencers uphold and transmit information and norms about FP, and explore who women consult as they make FP decisions and why they consult these key influencers. We interviewed 16 women, 10 partners and 14 key influencers in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. We found that key influencers for decisions about FP included mothers, aunts, partners, friends and healthcare providers. In making a decision about FP use, women consulted key influencers based on who they deemed trustworthy to keep their FP use secret and described less trust to speak with men about FP in their social networks. Mothers understood the social risks of using FP and so could advise on its discreet use, and aunts were approachable sources of impartial information about FP. Although women identified partners as key decision makers, they were aware that power imbalances might affect final FP choices. Our findings underscore the importance of FP interventions working with women's social networks and to address social norms influencing women's decisions in using FP. Interventions to change FP norms should consider dynamics of secrecy, trust and emotional closeness that affect FP discussions among women's networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diarrhoea and malnutrition are major problems afflicting children in Kenya and other developing countries. This is detrimental to human capital development and child well-being. This paper aims at evaluating the potential impact of cash transfers on nutritional status and incidence of diarrhoea among children below five years and differentiated by gender in Kenya. Because the cash transfers are not randomly assigned, propensity score matching methods were applied to a nationally representative household survey to examine whether unconditional cash transfers aid child human capital development. We provide empirical evidence that children in cash transfer-receiving households differ from those in non-recipient households. Second, we show that the unconditional cash transfers have potential to influence human capital development. However, girls are generally in an underprivileged situation in Kenya. Whereas cash transfers reduced the incidence of diarrhoea and malnutrition for boys in cash transfer-receiving households, in the case of girls the impact of cash transfers was not significant in case of diarrhoea or it was significant but adversely affected nutritional status. These results are comparable to other evaluations of unconditional cash transfers around the world. The results suggest there is scope for cash transfer programmes to promote human capital development among vulnerable households. Consequently, there is a case for expanding the cash transfers and ensuring efficient and effective administrative structure for targeting, disbursement and accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health burden due to mental health has historically been underestimated with focus on communicable diseases and deaths and little consideration of disability and comorbidity effects of poor mental health. Recent data show increasing trends of mental health disorders as a share of global health burdens and vulnerability of adolescents. This paper aims to explore social determinants of mental health as experienced by adolescent girls, drawing attention to gendered risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with twenty-two adolescent girls in urban informal settlements in Kenya and Nigeria reveal unique environmental, socio-cultural, economic and educational factors that threatened their mental wellbeing. The pandemic exacerbated these determinants. An equitable recovery will require a consideration of not only disproportional mental health outcomes, but also social determinants that contribute to these outcomes. As more than half of the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa reside in informal settlements, this study has implications for youth-focused mental health interventions in these and similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the determinants of financial inclusion in selected African countries. Researchers have found an extraordinarily strong positive association between social inclusion and financial inclusion; financial inclusion is the key to eradicating poverty and social exclusion as it presents an opportunity for people to benefit from financial services. A single data set was formed by combining four samples from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Kenya and South Africa. Data were obtained from surveys done by FinScope. FinScope Consumer Survey is a probability survey with an end-user focus (individual or household) on financial services and products. The FinScope Consumer Survey, done by the FinMark Trust, is uniquely aimed at increasing understanding of the informal financial product/service market. Probit regression models were estimated to find significant factors influencing financial inclusion in selected African countries. The linear probability model was used for the robustness check. The study found that age, education, marital status, bank branch accessibility, location, internet, salary, income, proof of residence, social networks, financial advice, gender and connectivity were significant in influencing financial inclusion. Governments must implement policies that enhance financial inclusion, in particular, ethnic groups, small communities and minorities. These policies will also lead to the reduction of poverty and the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to understand the role of climate-smart villages (CSVs) in promoting gender empowerment and equality in East Africa. This paper uses data collected from 280 and 305 randomly selected farm household heads in Doyogena (Ethiopia) and Nyando (Kenya), respectively. To analyse the data, the gender empowerment index for climate resilient agriculture (GEI-CRA) and the gender parity index (GPI) were constructed based on guidelines from the literature. In both Doyogena and Nyando, households in CSVs scored higher GEI. Comparing men and women in the CSVs, women were found to be more empowered compared to men and comparing between the two sites, household heads in Doyogena were more empowered than those in Nyando. Regarding gender parity index (GPI), in both sites, majority of the women in the empowered households in CSVs were either at equal status with men or even at higher status than men. These findings shed light on the potential of CSVs in enhancing gender empowerment and promoting gender equality. The positive contribution of CSVs may guide policymakers to scale up these practices with a better-targeted approach that recognize and adequately address the implementation of CSA practices so that men and women can equally benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the adoption of improved pigeon peas in female-headed households (FHHs) and male-headed households (MHHs) in semi-arid Kenya and its effect on yield as a proxy for household food security. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 450 households through a multi-stage sampling approach. We applied the endogenous switching regression model to establish the determinants of adoption decision and their effects on yield. Results showed that adoption increased crop yield. The adopting MHHs had significantly higher yield compared with the FHHs. The difference in yield was explained by both observed and unobserved characteristics in gender of the household head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Launched around the time Kenya was marking fifty years of independence, Yvonne Owuor's Dust has been described as a 'cultural inheritance.' It portrays a collection of colourful characters who laugh at themselves in their search for some sense of belonging. This paper is a critical interrogation of how culture and gender shape the identities of characters in the creative works of East African writers. The present analysis focuses on the character of Ajany, in Dust. Ajany is a timid character who always lurked in Odidi's shadow. Initially she has no sense of self and seems to be on a journey in search of her identity. She makes international contact mentally, physically, philosophically, intellectually, psychologically as well as emotionally. Among what is affecting her self-realisation is the collective culture of her people and her gender. The study thus interrogates the contribution of femininity to the identity that Ajany eventually acquires. Since Ajany has interacted with different cultures in the search for self-realisation, the study also examines the effects of the different cultures on Ajany's character. The study is based on ideas of hybridity advanced by Homi K. Bhabha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how gender dynamics in different patriarchal societies shape remitting behaviour in sub‐Saharan Africa. Data come from surveys conducted in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda and Senegal. Results show that immediate family members, migrants with high earning potential and household with most financial need are more likely to send or receive remittances and, on average, send or receive more remittances than contrasting migrants or households. Gender dynamics show that remitters are more likely to be married individuals, particularly men, which demonstrate the importance of conjugal family responsibility in remitting behaviour. Consequently, the bulk of evidence suggests altruism as the primary motive behind remittances, although results also point to insurance as a motivation. However, the altruistic behaviour seems to be driven by the responsibility to remit rather than mere concern for the non‐migrating household members. This remitting pattern is much stronger in societies with high gender inequality than not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the effects of gender and institutional support services on commercialisation patterns of maize by female-headed households (FHHs) and male-headed households (MHHs) in Western Kenya. Using primary household survey data from 297 maize farmers, we estimate a Tobit model and a treatment effect model to assess the determinants and gender-induced differences in commercialisation patterns, respectively. Results show that commercialisation levels of FHHs and MHHs were significantly and variably affected by institutional support services. The exogenous switching treatment effect model showed that the commercialisation intensity gap between MHHs and FHHs is explained by both observable and unobservable characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how regulatory, owner-specific, firm-specific and support factors influence participation in domestic trade by Kenyan firms owned by men and women with a view to informing policy action. Data from the 2016 survey on micro, small, and medium enterprises supported empirical estimations. Two models were estimated using the probit regression. The first was on participation in domestic trade by firms owned by women, while the second was on participation in domestic trade by firms owned by men. I controlled endogeneity and heterogeneity using the control function approach. The findings revealed that firm size, access to credit, goodwill, firm registration status, and university education attainment were significant in influencing participation of Kenyan firms in domestic trade. The evidence indicates a need to mainstream gender issues in making of trade policy; and enforcement of laws guaranteeing women improved access to trade credit and property including land rights. Improving access to incubation and capacity building support among female-owned firms could drive growth, specialization, and knowledge accumulation for enhanced participation in trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender equality is critical to achieving transformative action, policies and change towards sustainable ocean management. However, historically women have been largely excluded from ocean science and management programmes, including education. Recent commitment to promoting gender equality in ocean science, notably in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, aims to ensure women have equal opportunity to engage in ocean science education, research, management and decision-making. This paper investigates the roles of women in ocean science education, the challenges they face, the root causes of these inequalities, and the existing interventions to advance gender equality in ocean science. Focusing on Kenya as a case study, the paper uses a feminist political ecology lens to explore staff experiences and perceptions of gender (in)equality in public universities. The data gathered through in-depth interviews revealed that women's participation in ocean science were limited by perceptions of their male colleagues who did not believe that women can do certain technical jobs. In addition, career progression of women was found to be slower than men's, women were more likely to be discriminated against during promotions and denied opportunities to develop their careers, faced sexual harassment and bullying, and experienced work-family conflicts. These factors adversely impacted women's participation and career advancement and thus their potential contribution to a sustainable ocean. This research also revealed some good practices that the universities had in place to tackle gender inequalities such as gender equality policies and staff given a specific gender equality role (gender focal points). In conclusion, we stress the importance of having gender-transformative policies, an effective implementation process, having women-specific support structures and having women in leadership positions as crucial for promoting gender equality and ocean sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper adopted propensity score matching to estimate the propensity of digital financial inclusion among women in Kenya and the average treatment effect of digital financial inclusion on financial health of women in Kenya. Utilizing the Financial Access Survey 2021 dataset on 22024 households, the study found that the socio-demographic aspects that contributed to the digital financial uptake among women was the level of education, marital status, religion, age, and place of residence, with significant differences between users and non-users of digital finance. In addition, with mobile phone and television ownership, there was a higher likelihood of women using digital finance, with a significant difference between users and non-users. Additionally, it was found that women in Kenya using digital finance are more likely to be financially healthy. We, therefore, recommend that more targeted approach by government and financial institutions towards enhancing digital literacy, the government needs to implement gender-responsive policies that would foster the subsidization of mobile devices and offer incentives for mobile network operators to strengthen rural network connectivity, and the Kenya government and financial institutions could capitalize on accessible communication channels such as mobile phones, radio, and community outreach programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer use for assessment is gaining prominence in Kenya's higher education system because of its efficiency and prompt feedback. However, some psychological and personal factors may unintentionally impact performance in computer-based testing, such as test anxiety and gender. Therefore, this study sought to determine the effects of test anxiety and gender on performance and the impacts of test anxiety and gender interaction in a computer-based test in the Educational Statistics unit. A sample of 185 bachelor of education students at Kenyatta University was purposively selected to participate in this study. The independent variables were measured using a ten-item Likert-type test anxiety scale and a questionnaire. The dependent variable was the performance in a fifteen-item multiple choice test administered online. Data were analyzed using the t-test and the two-way analysis of variance. Results indicated that test anxiety had a significant effect on computer-based test performance. Although male students performed better than female students on the test, this difference was insignificant. The study also found the main effect of test anxiety and subject specialization. Based on the outcomes of this study, it was suggested that academic counseling should be integrated into the teaching and assessment of educational statistics to mitigate the effect of test anxiety on computer-based test performance. There is a need to incorporate arithmetic and computers, especially in arts-based courses at Kenyatta University. This study can be replicated using samples drawn from other courses and universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-induced migration is an increasingly pressing issue in many African regions, as rising temperatures and extreme weather events have caused the displacement of vulnerable populations. This is especially so in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, where extreme weather events have led to rangeland degradation, crop failures, water shortages, and food insecurity. Hence, there is a perceived need to understand these processes better. Against this background, this paper reports on a study investigating the processes associated with climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. The research method used consisted of an expert-driven assessment approach, which assesses the causes of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia and its human and social implications on local communities. Data were collected from 110 experts residing and working on climate and migration-related issues in Ethiopia and Kenya via e-mail, whose knowledge of the current situation has enabled the identification of some important trends. The results show that climate change is a primary trigger of migration both internally and externally. The high number of migrants, many of whom living within levels of poverty in their home areas is straining resources and services in the receiving regions. Their presence is also leading to increased competition for jobs and resources. Additionally, it has increased urban poverty, as many migrants have little access to living space and health care. This paper provides a welcome addition to the literature in that it lists the causes and implications of climate-induced migration and, by doing so, fosters a better understanding of the current crisis and its implications. The implications of this paper to the overall knowledge of climate change and migration are twofold. First, it highlights the need for governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders better to understand the complex linkages between climate change and migration. Secondly, it shows the usefulness of better recognising how climate change can drive migration and the other factors shaping the decision to migrate. The paper concludes by stating the urgent need for policies and programmes that support climate change-induced migrants. Also, it draws attention to the usefulness of promoting sustainable development in their origin countries and destinations, so that migration is not necessarily perceived as the only response to climate change. A further conclusion is that there is a perceived need for providing access to resources such as education, health care, and livelihood opportunities and establishing mechanisms to ensure a safe and dignified return for those who choose to do so. • Climate change is a significant driver for migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. • Droughts, conflicts, and crop failures are among the key drivers of migration. • Male migration is more prominent than a female one. • Limited access to productive resources leads to outmigration from rural areas. • Lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause any major migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a violation of human rights and must be addressed as such. This paper examines whether donor practices align with a rights-based approach, using data from our comprehensive study of foreign funding flows related to GBV in Colombia, Kenya, and Uganda from 2010 to 2020. By analyzing data from 1,180 grants--and providing parallel analyses of the state of GBV, and GBV reporting and interventions in each country--we demonstrate donors' role in shaping GBV outcomes and their consequent duty to address policies and practices that violate rights. Accordingly, we propose changes in donor practices to promote realization of the right to freedom from violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of gender-based violence (GBV) dramatically increased. While the Kenyan governmental bodies are held responsible for their inadequate response to this "national disaster of GBV", the role of the Kenyan churches is hardly criticized. The churches neither spoke out against this prevalent injustice, nor did they openly support the victims of GBV. Furthermore, it could be argued that churches, through their patriarchal structures and cultural and doctrinal teachings, have contributed to this disaster. This article is written from a woman's perspective and focused on the notion of vumilia, or perseverance, an important notion in the lived faith of women. Vumilia is the Kiswahili word for "persevere" or "endure." It appears that a gendered vumilia theology applied to gender relations, prevents churches from adequately addressing gender-based violence. Unless and until this vumilia theology is deconstructed and balanced with a liberation theology, the church's response to gender-based violence will be superficial and insufficient. In this article, the narrative method is used to bring about the ideas and experiences of women in two Kenyan churches, the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) and the African Israel Nineveh Church (AINC), related to vumilia and its cultural and theological underpinnings. The article discusses the teachings of vumilia theology in these churches and their effects on women who suffer from gender-based violence. The paper also traces the resistance of church women, indicating the contours of a woman-affirming Christ-centered theology and spirituality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, gender responsive programing has become a concern for researchers and practitioners alike. Such programs address issues that may hinder offenders' reentry. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs that address the psychological needs of women prisoners in Kenya. The relational theory of women's psychological development and the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model were used to analyze inmate programs in Kenya's 17 women's prisons. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 350 participants within the prisons to ask about the programs offered. We found that there is a lack of gender responsive programming in Kenya's women's prison; and, the rehabilitation programs that are offered within the Kenyan prison system are not effectively addressing women offenders' unique psychological needs which contributed to their criminal behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a white, Western-educated man, undertaking research in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya, I encountered ethical dilemmas related to my privileged racial and gender status. These include power imbalances between researchers and refugees and conducting research in the face of human suffering. Through critical self-reflexivity, I analyze my own experiences to reveal the personal and professional vulnerabilities that researchers from high-income countries (HICs) may encounter when working in contexts where oppression and forced displacement are prominent. I conclude that researchers who work in contexts of forced migration must extend beyond the boundaries of procedural research ethics and include components of relational ethics. This involves close collaboration with refugee participants to develop more culturally relevant research ethics guidelines for refugee-specific populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The milking unit (MU) is a key methodological and conceptual tool to illuminate the gendered nature of pastoralist resource access and food security. • Household-level factors like household size and herd size did not guarantee greater access to milk resources or food security for women within households. • Gendered, intra-household relations are just as (and sometimes more) important than grazing patterns and herd size in determining milk resources available to individuals within households. • Gender-disaggregated data is critical to understanding development challenges and opportunities for communities in the global South. This paper offers a methodological and conceptual framework for empirically demonstrating the importance of gendered, intra-household units in shaping pastoral livestock management and food security. While the focal point for understanding livestock management and pastoral production systems traditionally has been rangelands where livestock graze with male herders, this study demonstrates that as much livestock management happens within the home under the care of women. This project draws from long-term mixed methods research as well as an in-depth focal household study conducted over 10 months with Maasai pastoralists in Kenya to examine the highly gendered activities of herding and milking. In considering multiple spaces of livestock management inside and outside the pastoral home, this project introduces and utilizes the concept of the milking unit (a group of cows allotted to, and managed by, women for milking activities) alongside the more well-studied category of the grazing unit (a group of cattle pooled together by household members for grazing activities). Findings about the micro-decisions of livestock management, and the gendered politics shaping them, illustrate that gendered, intra-household relations are just as, if not more, important than grazing patterns or household assets such as herd size in determining milk resources for individuals within households, with significant outcomes for livestock productivity, food security, and wellbeing. These conclusions suggest that examining gendered, intra-household variation can be key for understanding livelihoods and human-environment interactions for pastoralists and other communities in the global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We evaluate determinants of participation in conservancy land leases in the Maasai Mara and how they impact household wealth. • Land ownership primarily determines who can participate and benefit from conservancies and by how much. • Conservancy land leases reinforce unequal historical land distribution systems, limiting participation of women and the poor. • After matching households on their observed characteristics, conservancy participation has little impact on household wealth. Understanding the impact of conservation interventions on local communities is important in determining their effects on livelihoods and wellbeing. However, impacts are often not uniform and there are important equity dimensions when evaluating interventions. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate determinants of participation in conservation land leases in the Mara Conservancies in southern Kenya and its impact on household wealth. We find that land ownership determines who can participate in and benefit from conservancy land lease payments, and by how much. The design of the land lease payment scheme therefore has the potential to reinforce and, in cases, amplify existing inequities as it is built upon a legacy of unequal historical land distribution processes that limit the participation of women and poor landless households. We observed significantly higher incomes amongst participant households compared to non-participants, but these differences disappeared after propensity score matching. These results suggest that the differences were not caused by participation in conservancies. Our findings suggest that the design and outcomes of land-based conservation or payment for ecosystem services schemes should consider historic and existing land tenure systems if they are to reduce inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed systems are essential to bring good genetic material to farmers. Women farmers, however, have benefited less than men farmers from seed systems in low and middle income countries. We identify factors that inhibit and promote women's success in seed businesses through three case studies of women's and men's entrepreneurship across seed-related value chains and country contexts: tilapia seed production in Ghana, marketing and trading of improved maize and sorghum seeds in Kenya, and chicken seed dissemination in Tanzania. Applying a gender lens, we use key informant interviews and focus group discussions to analyze women's and men's motivations to engage in seed businesses, the challenges they confront to start and build their enterprises, and prospects for sustainability and continued success. We use quantitative data to characterize the levels of empowerment of the agripreneurs sampled. For women, the results show that the social normative context of the sector is critical. Time flexibility and profitability are important considerations for women's engagement. Furthermore, across all three country cases, family and external support are frequently key to women's participation and success in seed agripreneurship. The article discusses the importance of government bodies, NGOs, and donors in challenging the normative context around gender resource gaps, as well as provide technical packages and training to develop business acumen. Supporting change of restrictive gender norms in non-threateningways - such as ICTs - is key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Critical African Studies is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climate variability and its impacts affect different members of gender groups in households and society differently. Within the pastoral community, women are more vulnerable, being among the poorest of the poor, and they are expected to be highly susceptible to climate variability effects. This study assesses gender perceptions of climate variability among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Marsabit County, Kenya. Results were triangulated with the use of data-collection techniques, including focused group discussions, individual interviews and field observations. These methods were used to analyse whether there is a difference in factors that determine the community perceptions of climate variability and trends by gender among the Marsabit pastoralist community. In analysing the study's data, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The findings indicate that respondents' perceptions of climate variability in the study area varied by gender, marital status and ethnic groups. The study reveals an increased workload of 48% for women and 32% for men resulting from climate impacts on daily household activities. In addition, the study found that 63% of male respondents primarily take on the role of decision-makers for their families, while 38% primarily serve as providers. In addition, 29% of male participants are responsible for providing security and 17% for managing family concerns within the community. In contrast, 33% of the female respondents predominantly fulfil the role of household domestic managers. The analysis further reveals that 90.3% of female and 86.8% of male respondents have noticed a decrease in rain received over time in the past two decades. This was reported to cause a burden on the most vulnerable members of the community, particularly women, by requiring them to travel long distances in search of water for household use. Gender and age affect who can access and control natural resources and household goods. This, in turn, affects the ability of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities to adapt, make a living and do other social and economic activities. The study recommends that, for climate impact adaptation measures to work, the community needs to put strategies that consider the different strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities of pastoral women and youth. Enactment and enforcement of gender-proactive policies and legislation that promote gender equity at the county level is highly recommended. The study further recommends using conventional weather forecasting to fill in the gaps left by the Indigenous Technical Knowledge Predictions. As a result, this study suggests that the public should be involved in creating agro-weather and climate advisories to lower vulnerability, boost resilience, boost productivity and ultimately improve the ability to adapt to climate impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the global literature on ecological restoration, a subset of literature examines the relationship between smallholder land restoration and rural outmigration. However, intrahousehold dynamics surrounding the outmigration of one or more household members and the capacity of the household to undertake land restoration activities are often overlooked. With analyses rooted in Burkina Faso and Kenya, we explore the relationships between restoration, household labor, and rural outmigration, which is a prominent livelihood strategy in the two contexts. Our case studies draw on data from interviews, focus group discussions, and small-n household surveys in Burkina Faso and Kenya. Our analysis substantiates the need to consider migration in understanding and promoting smallholder land restoration. Our multi-sited approach further reveals that the contextually-specific characteristics of the migration event (i.e. type of migration [permanent or temporary], position of the migrant within the household, timing and duration of migration) play an important role in shaping restoration and gender outcomes. As male heads of households or their sons outmigrate periodically in Kenya compared to young men leaving seasonally in Burkina Faso, the impacts of migration on intrahousehold gender relations are more transformative in the Kenyan case study, with women garnering greater decision-making power on the family farm and in land restoration activities, whereas entrenched gender norms in the Burkina Faso case remain unchallenged by migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletic identity is a precursor to numerous sport inclinations like participation, talent development and competition. This becomes more salient in educational institutions where student-athletes are required to play a dual role. The purpose of this study was to explore the athletic identity of university athletes in selected sports. It was postulated that athletic identity formation of the university athletes will vary based on selected variables of gender, age and year of study. Data was collected from athletes who were taking part in university sports championships using Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). The sample comprised 183 (67.78%) males and 89 (32.22%) females. Most of the university athletes were in the 1st and 3rd years of study, and 60% of the players had two years of playing experience. The results revealed that the university athletes had high perceptions of self- identity, social identity and exclusivity and low perceptions on negative affectivity. It is concluded that athletic identity is mediated by situational factors such as age and gender. Consequently, sports psychologists and coaches need to assist athletes improve and sustain their athletic identities. Sport psychologists could train the athletes on how to enhance athletic identity and maximize their sports performance. Future research could address, athletic identity and sports performance as well as athletic identity and athletes in specific playing positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the disparities in gender representation, efforts are needed to make engineering education more inclusive and attractive to young people. It is important that those entering engineering education are making this decision with sufficient understanding of what it means to be an engineer. This study explored how lower secondary education students from Ireland (n = 435), Kenya (n = 436), and Sweden (n = 361) stereotyped engineers, and their interest in becoming an engineer was examined. The Draw an Engineer Test was used to achieve this, and ordinal and logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the effects of students' genders and country of schooling on the genders and concepts of their drawn engineers, and on their interest in becoming an engineer in the future. Results: A Sankey diagram illustrated significant complexity in the interaction between conceptions of engineering work and fields of engineering. Chi-square tests of association were used to examine the association between students depicting an engineer as either the same or a different gender to themselves and their interest in becoming an engineer. The results of these and the regression analyses indicate that young people's gender explains more variance in the gender of drawn engineers and the country they are studying in explains more variance in their conception of engineers. However, most variance was explained when both students' gender and country of study were considered together. Further, particularly for young females, drawing a female engineer as opposed to a male engineer was positively associated with increased interest in becoming an engineer. Conclusions: There is a need to develop a greater understanding of engineering in young people to ensure they have sufficient information to make decisions regarding related educational pursuits. National-level attempts are needed to present accurate depictions of engineering, and effort needs to be invested in ensuring that young females can identify as engineers. Higher educational access needs to be considered in future work examining future career interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified crop losses and economic impacts associated with papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) infestation in Kenya and identified the most important predictors of papaya tree (Carica papaya L.) yield losses through a household survey of 404 farmers. At least 95% male and 88% female respondents correctly identified papaya mealybug. Papaya was the most affected crop by the pest, with 73% of the respondents indicating that a major part (>60%) of their trees was affected. The estimated papaya yield losses due to papaya mealybug were 57%, with an associated annual economic loss of US$3,009 per ha at the farm level and US$29.8 million at the national level. Regression analysis showed significant yield-reducing effects with high infestation levels of papaya mealybug, use of local varieties, and use of indigenous pest control practices. Economic losses differed significantly by county, with the highest losses reported in Mombasa. Male farmers reported higher losses than their female counterparts. Findings highlight the need for location and gender-specific information on pest management for effectiveness in controlling papaya mealybug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently proclaimed Ocean Decade by the United Nations General Assembly is committed to gender equality and women's empowerment in ocean science research and governance. This paper examines the status of gender equality in ocean science research across higher education institutes in Kenya. Kenya has ratified international conventions for gender equality and developed national and institutional gender equality and sexual harassment policies as its commitment to promoting equitable access to education. However, it is poorly understood whether the implementation of these policies has been successful at the institutional level. This study explores the effectiveness of the institutional gender policies in public universities delivering ocean science-related degrees. Existing policies were analysed using the Gender Integration Continuum and gender ratios of enrolled students and recruited staff in ocean science-related fields investigated. The study identified that while some policy provisions included gender-transformative strategies to increase women in science-related courses, many were outdated. Gender-disaggregated data showed fewer female students and female staff in management positions compared to men. Additionally, the proportion of women in academic posts declined with the seniority of employment level, and women were more likely than men to occupy non-tenured positions. In conclusion, it appears that the presence of gender policies does not necessarily translate to gender balance across the universities. We offer some explanations as to why this should be and where to direct future research needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence suggests a need for more focused attention on boys' experiences of puberty in sub-Saharan Africa to assure healthy transitions into young adulthood. Existing research remains limited on the masculinity norms shaping boys' maturation experiences in Kenya. To help fill this gap, we conducted a comparative case study using qualitative methodologies with 16-19-year-old male youth in rural and urban Kenya, and with adults interacting in boys' daily lives. Findings suggest that Kenyan boys experience shame, confusion and silence around changes happening in their bodies; face pressures from new societal expectations as they become young men; and have adolescent lives shaped by minimal supervision, increased peer pressures and engagement in more risky health behaviors. Additional research and targeted interventions on boys transitioning through puberty and early adolescence are needed to better understand their vulnerabilities and prevent or reduce their engagement in unsafe behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HIV infection rate is higher among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Africa than men in the same age range. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be used by women discreetly; however, for most AGYW, male partner approval is desired. We explored PrEP use in the context of relationship violence and power dynamics through focus group discussions and support club sessions with AGYW, in-depth interviews and male sensitisation sessions with male partners of AGYW, and joint sessions with AGYW and their male partners. Many male partners reported hesitancy in supporting partner's PrEP use without sufficient information; most of these became supportive following their engagement in study activities; and most preferred participation in decisions around PrEP use. For AGYW, male involvement minimised partner violence around their PrEP use. The findings support the need for correct PrEP information to be provided to male partners of AGYW and to involve them early on, in decision-making about PrEP use. This is likely to improve uptake of and adherence to PrEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Development Research is the property of Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aiming to understand how Maasai women use informal learning and literacy to access to health information and improve well-being of their family at the village level, this qualitative study explores the significance of village based informal learning and literacy in maintain good health among village women and girls in the male-dominated community in rural Kenya. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, informal conversations and observations. 15 Village women, 12 women's group leaders and 10 government officials were interviewed during an intensive six-month field study in Kenya. The information obtained from the interviews was analysed thematically and as narrative case studies. Results indicate that the village women initiate manageable health promotion activities to improve the well-being of their family and community via informal learning and literacy approaches. The study also concludes that the interviewed Maasai women developed their own effective communication mechanism to improve the situation of gender inequality in their community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rates of HIV within marriages in Kenya remain high. While critical public health scholars have argued that socio-structural contexts shape HIV vulnerability, public health emphasizes neoliberal health management approaches that prioritize individual responsibility to avoid HIV risks. This article examines Kenya's marital fidelity campaign as a manifestation of neoliberal health governance techniques. It considers the sexual morality of the campaign including how the campaign frames extramarital risks and gender relations in marriage. Further, using ethnographic data from a cash-cropping community in rural Kenya, the article examines how participants' conceptions of marriage as a gendered site shape their everyday moral/rational reasoning that challenges public health's neoliberal logic of risk and responsibility. Participants deploy the social risk concept to show how they engage in reasoning that is informed by their social and material context. The article argues that public health should consider how the gendered social organization of marriages within specific political-economic contexts shapes HIV vulnerabilities as an alternative to neoliberal governmentality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the adoption of UNSCR 2242, which calls for the integration of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) agendas, feminist scholars and activists have cautioned that such a move instrumentalises and securitises the WPS agenda and its objectives of gender equality and women's empowerment. Based on over 80 interviews with civil society actors involved in P/CVE in Kenya – specifically, Mombasa, Isiolo and Nairobi – this article argues that both the calls for empowerment and the critiques of instrumentalization similarly draw on racialised constructions of women's agency, or lack thereof, in the global south. Further, the instrumentalised/empowered binary is premised on a liberal feminist conceptualisation of agency only as resistance, which does not accurately capture the complex ways in which WPS actors and feminist peace activists negotiate with and work to transform security agendas. While recognising the harms caused by state and donor-led P/CVE approaches, this article centres the perspectives and experiences of men and women who work in daily violence prevention within and beyond the frame of P/CVE to theorise the agentive capacities that emerge from securitised spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ruminant production facets like decision-making, ownership, labour allocation, access to- and control over assets are gendered. This study investigates intra-household gender dynamics and practices around sheep and goat production among smallholder farmers in South East region of Kenya. A quantitative study was conducted on 358 dual-headed (married) households to generate gender-disaggregated data on ownership, decision-making and labour allocation around small ruminant production. Qualitative data was collected through focused group discussions to bring out the community perspectives. From the findings, the average number of small ruminants owned by the households as reported by men was slightly higher than women. The average number of small ruminants solely owned by men was significantly higher than by women. Men reported a relatively higher number of jointly owned small ruminants compared to women. More women than men reported that they could give as a gift, sell-off and slaughter jointly owned small ruminants without consulting their spouses. Small ruminants were considered the most important livestock asset in supporting a household's livelihood by relatively more women than men. Men had more decision-making autonomy over jointly owned small ruminants compared to women. Production tasks around small ruminants such as feeding, watering, selling milk and cleaning housing structures were mostly performed by the women. Qualitative data identified men as the de facto owners of small ruminants with a higher power position in making the important production decisions. The study offers three implications on the design of livestock interventions to empower women, the interventions should ensure that; 1) women are not just owners of livestock assets but also share power and decision-making rights in all aspects of production, 2) production labour is shared equitably between men and women and, 3) women access benefits from livestock production even when animals are owned by men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comedy shows are an acute barometer of social contexts as they are embedded in power relations and often constructed as a space of resistance. With the increasing presence of China in Kenya, China has been a recurring theme in one of the most popular Kenyan stand-up comedies, the Churchill Comedy Show. In 2018, a clip circulated widely of a Chinese female comedian on stage with Churchill and Sleepy. In the clip they discuss the debt issue between Kenya and China through romantic metaphors of an "engagement" ceremony before the wedding, including both expressions of love and bargaining about bride price. This article argues that humour and laughter help in carving out a space for open discussions and critical reflections on the debt issue within Kenya–China relations. It inserts agency and expresses resistance and moral critique of Chinese engagements in Kenya, especially from socio-economically marginalised publics. At the same time, the humour jointly generated through a reiteration of tropes of nationhood, separation of languages and gendered expressions runs the risk of taking interpersonal relations back to rigidly divided national, ethnic and gendered categorisations and representations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016-2018 poa! Internet, a private internet service provider, distributed free internet services across schools in Nairobi, Kenya. Using inverse probability weighting (IPW) method, the study finds that the intervention significantly increases students' internet use and training, receipt of information on educational content, and participation in information and communication technologies (ICTs) education programmes. However, the study does not find evidence that internet services increase school attendance. The results suggest that facilitating access to internet services in schools can significantly increase child computer and internet skills and training in developing countries, even if those investments have limited gains on school attendance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the growing influence of Informational Communication Technologies (ICTs) in less certain refugee contexts and the role of civil society groups. Drawing on an empirical case study of Somali refugees in Kenya, the article explores the grassroots use of ICTs by refugee women and local socio-economic dynamics in processes of inclusion. Adopting a micro-institutional perspective, the discussion looks at the emerging influence of mobile technology on refugee women's precarious norms related to mobility and work, and the evolution of new digital norms. The article highlights the strategic role of women's groups and proactive group members as 'institutional entrepreneurs', in aiding levels of ICT adoption among group members, motivated by connection, protection and collective enterprise, with potential effects far beyond the group. In a transitory and fragile refugee context however, constraints on civil society may lead to the exclusion of more isolated populations without formal institutional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved forages of genus Brachiaria and Panicum grasses were introduced to men and women farmers in western Kenya and southern Ethiopia. To provide an understanding of the social and demographic characteristics of farming systems, a household survey was implemented in 2018/2019. In 2020, a complementary qualitative study was conducted to understand: (a) gender dynamics in accessing forage planting materials: (b) role of forage trait preferences, and (c) how the introduction of forage varieties influences gender relations in households. Forage seed/splits were accessed through women's groups. In Kenya, men and women were advised to source more forage seeds from private seed companies for scaling. In Ethiopia, men prioritized "fast regrowth" and women "nutritious biomass" traits; in Kenya, men prioritized "nutritious biomass" and women "how fast forage splits could be established" traits. The sale of the forage cuttings appeared to provide promising marketing opportunities for women, who were able to control the income generated. The introduction of improved forages, which are grown close to homesteads, reduced the time men and boys spent grazing livestock while increasing the time women and girls spent harvesting fodder. Following gender sensitivity training provided alongside forage introductions, Ethiopian men reported being involved in forage harvesting, chopping, and feeding against prevailing norms while the Kenyan women took on greater decision‐making roles. These positive outcomes in gender equity suggest that the integration of gender and forage technology trainings can secure significant gains not only for women, but also for the men in the households. Core Ideas: Use of participatory research enhanced farmers' knowledge about growing improved forages.Men and women farmers preference for improved forages were based on preferred traits.Integrating forage introductions with gender sensitivity training benefitted household relations.Time spent on grazing cattle by men reduced while women and girls time harvesting forages increased.Forage sales began to emerge as a source of income benefitting women in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kenya has a high youth population coupled with high rates of unemployment. Development policies, including the National Youth Policy, emphasize the potential of agriculture as a source of youth employment. Kenya's dairy subsector is relatively well developed and continuing to commercialize. We analyse young women and men's current and emerging roles in dairy intensification and develop a conceptual framework that draws on opportunity space, intersectionality and agency. We collected qualitative data in Nakuru and Kiambu counties, in rural and peri‐urban locations. Based on 20 interviews, 18 focus group discussions, and a validation workshop, we describe social relations and the intersection of social factors that influence young women and men's changing roles and opportunities. We find that youth are embedded within social relations that reflect how age, ethnicity and gender intersect and interact with location to create differential access to agricultural resources and roles and practices in dairy value chains. While our data show that norms and practices of social exclusion may be reinforced through generations, we also find examples that demonstrate young women and men's capacity as agents of change in their communities. Our research contributes to understanding young women and men's diverse experiences in dairy and potential in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health workers' compliance with outpatient malaria case-management guidelines has been improving in Africa. This study examined the factors associated with the improvements. Methods: Data from 11 national, cross-sectional health facility surveys undertaken from 2010–2016 were analysed. Association between 31 determinants and improvement trends in five outpatient compliance outcomes were examined using interactions between each determinant and time in multilevel logistic regression models and reported as an adjusted odds ratio of annual trends (T-aOR). Results: Among 9,173 febrile patients seen at 1,208 health facilities and by 1,538 health workers, a higher annual improvement trend in composite "test and treat" performance was associated with malaria endemicity-lake endemic (T-aOR = 1.67 annually; p<0.001) and highland epidemic (T-aOR = 1.35; p<0.001) zones compared to low-risk zone; with facilities stocking rapid diagnostic tests only (T-aOR = 1.49; p<0.001) compared to microscopy only services; with faith-based/non-governmental facilities compared to government-owned (T-aOR = 1.15; p = 0.036); with a daily caseload of >25 febrile patients (T-aOR = 1.46; p = 0.003); and with under-five children compared to older patients (T-aOR = 1.07; p = 0.013). Other factors associated with the improvement trends in the "test and treat" policy components and artemether-lumefantrine administration at the facility included the absence of previous RDT stock-outs, community health workers dispensing drugs, access to malaria case-management and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines, health workers' gender, correct health workers' knowledge about the targeted malaria treatment policy, and patients' main complaint of fever. The odds of compliance at the baseline were variable for some of the factors. Conclusions: Targeting of low malaria risk areas, low caseload facilities, male and government health workers, continuous availability of RDTs, improving health workers' knowledge about the policy considering age and fever, and dissemination of guidelines might improve compliance with malaria guidelines. For prompt treatment and administration of the first artemether-lumefantrine dose at the facility, task-shifting duties to community health workers can be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Women legislators prioritised and contributed to getting three family Bills passed in Kenya's National Assembly 2013–2017. This was the first National Assembly in the country to benefit from gender quotas which increased the proportion of women in it from 7.62% in 2007 to 19.5% in 2013. This article examines the history of the family Bills and why women prioritised and supported them. It builds on global evidence that women legislators tend to focus on laws and policies addressing gender equality and social welfare issues. The research data is from a descriptive study of Kenya's National Assembly 2013–2017 for a PhD thesis. The article establishes that women had a vested interest in and unanimously supported the family Bills, the passage of which mark a significant step towards addressing gender-based discrimination. This finding coheres with literature on women as critical actors to create policy change in line with the Critical Mass Theory. The article recommends that women legislators should initiate action to have existing laws amended so as to comprehensively address women's rights. It further proposes that women should be represented in the most influential and strategic committees of the legislature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore how seed systems enhance access to seeds, and information for climate-change adaptation in farming communities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as how gender-driven roles and institutional dynamics influence the process. Men and women farmers equally experience climate-change related effects, including drought, short rainy seasons and increased pest and disease incidence. Our study relies on exploratory data analysis of 1001 households surveyed in four sites in 2016. Farmers surveyed preferred early-maturing, heat-tolerant, high-yielding, and pest- and disease-resistant varieties, all important climate-adaptive traits. Seed systems of the focus crops studied are largely informal—overall, 68% women and 62% men use their own seed, indicating women's higher reliance on 'informal' seed and information sources. Only 21% of respondents reported interacting with seed experts who are affiliated with formal organizations. Both formal and informal organizations play a key role in providing access to climate-adapted seed/information, with access for men and women varying across the countries studied. There is a need to support further development of those connections, building on existing social networks. We conclude that inclusive and gender-responsive context- and country-specific seed interventions will ensure equitable outcomes, increase women's empowerment and strengthen both formal and informal seed systems for more effective climate-change adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]