Empowering women in farmer-managed natural regeneration practice: An analysis of socio-cultural determinants in selected counties of Kenya

Abstract

Women are crucial stakeholders in sustainable land restoration and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), yet their participation is often limited by socio-cultural factors. This study presents an analysis of five key determinants of women’s participation in FMNR, namely (1) women'sawareness of FMNR development sessions, (2) Women’s Education and Training, (3) Faith-Based and Religious Institutions, (4) Socio-Cultural norms, and (5) community-level decision-making. A descriptive survey design employing a mixed methods approach was used, where data were collected concurrently. Quantitative data were collected via a household survey (N = 1,628) across four study areas (Kalawa, Kitise, Osiligi, Mara) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews provided contextual depth. Baseline findings reveal that while a majority (~88–91%) of respondents’ report women’s involvement in farming and community activities, significant disparities were observed in the levels and nature of women’s involvement across regions, Makueni (93.03%) exhibited the highest level of women’s involvement, followed by Narok (88.16%), while Kajiado (79.46%) recorded the lowest. While women were frequently engaged in labour-intensive and routine tasks of caring for regenerated trees, their participation in decision-making roles, land ownership, and access to training remained limited. Awareness of women “lead farmers” or FMNR champion initiatives was uneven. That is only 13% in Kitise vs. ~49% in Mara (p < .001), and only 20% reported any prior gender-equity training. Socio-cultural norms pose clear barriers: over half (54%) of those who saw women as not engaged in community decisions cited cultural barriers, alongside discriminatory attitudes (46%) and other factors. Women’s participation in community decision-making varied widely by locale (ranging from 79% affirming in Osiligi to 99% in Kalawa (p < .001). Traditional household leadership structures also influence women’s roles –for example, only 3.7% in the most patriarchal community perceived women as influential in local groups, versus 44% in the least patriarchal. The baseline underscores that women’s engagement in FMNR is constrained by limited training opportunities and persistent gender norms. Socio-cultural shifts and ongoing sensitisation to bring a measurable softening of rigid norms, promotion of inclusive decision-making focusing on quality of engagement and a reflection of women voices in community decision-making would be vital. Leveraging on cultural and faith-based institutions as allies can lead to a culturally rooted endorsement of women’s involvement through public statements by elders and clergy to support women’s enhanced participation. These findings provide a benchmark for tracking progress and inform gender-transformative strategies to enhance women’s empowerment and FMNR adoption.