The BIMA project recently conducted a gender-responsive household survey in Tana River County to explore gender dynamics in decision-making, resource access, control, ownership, and labour division across intersecting sectors. The survey specifically focused on the challenges faced by drought-affected (agro-)pastoralists communities, particularly in accessing livestock insurance.

Inclusive Data Collection for Holistic Insights

The study utilized the Time-Use Power Survey to capture data from male-headed, female-headed, and child-headed households, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach. Additionally, focus group discussions were held separately for men, women, and youth to highlight diverse perspectives and address gender-specific needs.

The survey aimed to inform the development of gender-responsive insurance packages and products bundled with livestock insurance, targeting improved demand and uptake among women, youth, and people with disabilities. This inclusive approach also incorporated the active participation of marginalized groups to better understand their unique challenges and needs.

Key Findings: Gender Dynamics and Barriers

Decision-Making and Ownership:
Men generally have greater access to, control over, and ownership of livestock, with exceptions for small ruminants and poultry, which women are more likely to manage. However, roles performed by men are often assigned higher value and status compared to women’s contributions, which are centered on unpaid domestic and supportive tasks.

Women in female-headed households tend to have slightly more control over household assets compared to those in male-headed households. However, limited financial resources, restricted ownership rights, and tradition-oriented barriers continue to hinder women’s access and control over resources.

Cultural Norms and Participation:
Harmful cultural practices remain a significant barrier to gender equality. Some women expressed discomfort participating freely, even in safe spaces such as FGDs tailored for them. These cultural constraints further limit women’s voices and participation in decision-making processes.

Barriers to Livestock Insurance Access:
Women face multiple challenges, including limited access to finance, education, markets, skills, and responsive policies. Cultural beliefs that reinforce traditional gender roles exacerbate these barriers, restricting women’s ability to access risk management tools like livestock insurance.

Unrecognized Contributions:
Women’s labour, particularly in supportive and home-centered roles, remains largely unrecognized and uncompensated. This lack of recognition contributes to their economic disempowerment.

Strategies for Addressing Gender Inequities

Recognizing these challenges, the BIMA project adopted several strategies to foster gender equity and inclusion:

• Gender Mainstreaming and Capacity Building: Efforts were made to integrate gender equity into program design, ensuring women and marginalized groups are actively involved in decision-making processes. Capacity-building initiatives were introduced to empower these groups with skills and resources.
• Community Engagement: A pre-study workshop was held to address cultural barriers and raise awareness about gender equity. This approach fostered community buy-in and laid the foundation for long-term acceptance of gender-responsive initiatives.
• Collaboration with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): A strategic mapping of women- and youth-led CBOs was undertaken to strengthen their capacity to support gender equality efforts. Identified organizations will benefit from Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) training and assist in mobilization during tool testing to enhance the adoption of gender-responsive insurance products.

Voices from the Community

Chief Handampia noted, “Men often have more access, control, and ownership of livestock, except for small animals like goats and poultry, while women’s efforts, focused on supportive and home-centered roles, often go unrecognized and uncompensated.”

“As women leaders, we must advocate for equal recognition of women’s roles in both the home and the community. While women in female-headed households show resilience in managing assets, we must address the financial and ownership barriers that limit women’s access and control over resources. Empowering women is not just fair—it strengthens our entire community.” Women Leader, Gafuru

Looking Ahead

The findings from this study underscore the pervasive influence of gender norms on access, control, and decision-making in Tana River County. By addressing these disparities through gender-responsive initiatives and community-driven interventions, the project aims to create equitable opportunities for women, youth, and other vulnerable groups.

As these efforts continue, the goal is to develop innovative, inclusive insurance products that not only respond to the specific needs of marginalized communities but also contribute to breaking down systemic barriers to gender equality in Tana River County.