Gender Roles in Improving Chicken Farming for Food Security

Jenn Hoskins
5th March, 2025

Gender Roles in Improving Chicken Farming for Food Security
Image Source: Denven Dosip (photographer)

Key Findings

  • In Machakos County, Kenya, households adopting hybrid chickens spend less on food and achieve higher food security
  • Access to credit, markets, and farmer groups significantly increases hybrid chicken adoption, especially for women farmers
  • Hybrid chicken farming boosts household income and food stability for both male and female-led farms
The use of hybrid chicken production among smallholder farmers has garnered significant attention as a potential avenue for enhancing income and ensuring food security. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Embu, Embu, Kenya[1] explores the impact of adopting hybrid chickens on household food expenditure and overall food security in Machakos County. The study addresses a crucial issue faced by many rural households: balancing income generation with sufficient food consumption. While traditional indigenous village chickens (IVCs) have long been integral to food security and the economic empowerment of women[2], the introduction of hybrid chickens promises higher productivity and better economic returns. However, the actual effects of adopting these hybrids, especially across different genders, had not been thoroughly examined before this research. To investigate this, the researchers employed two statistical models: propensity score matching (PSM) and endogenous switching regression (ESR). These methods were chosen to accurately assess the causal effects of hybrid chicken adoption by controlling for various factors that might influence both the decision to adopt and the outcomes of interest. The study sampled 582 households using a multistage stratified random sampling method, ensuring a representative distribution across different demographics and farm types. Descriptive analysis revealed that households adopting hybrid chickens allocated an average of KES 1,296 per month to food consumption, compared to KES 1,400 spent by non-adopters. Interestingly, despite spending less on food, adopters exhibited higher levels of food security. This suggests that the income generated from hybrid chicken production may allow these households to allocate resources more efficiently, reducing their reliance on food expenditures. Furthermore, the study found significant gender disparities in food security. Approximately 74% of female-headed households experienced chronic food insecurity compared to their male counterparts, highlighting the gendered dimensions of agricultural productivity and resource allocation[3]. The econometric results shed light on the factors influencing the adoption of hybrid chickens. Key determinants included farm location, access to credit, access to markets, availability of feeds, group membership, and the cost of feeds. These factors were significant for both male and female decision-makers, indicating that supporting farmers through improved infrastructure, financial services, and access to affordable inputs could enhance the adoption rates of hybrid chickens. Moreover, the average treatment effect demonstrated that non-adopters incurred higher costs on food consumption, while about half of the adopters achieved food security. This underscores the potential of hybrid chicken production not only to supplement income but also to provide a more stable and secure food supply for households. The findings align with earlier research emphasizing the role of poultry in enhancing food and nutritional security. For instance, indigenous chickens are known for their adaptability and the multiple ecosystem services they provide, which contribute to the resilience of rural farming systems[2][4]. By integrating the adoption of hybrid chickens into broader agricultural strategies, the study suggests a pathway to bolster food security and economic stability among smallholder farmers. The use of hybrid chickens could complement existing practices with IVCs, leveraging their hardiness and low maintenance requirements while enhancing productivity through improved genetics and management practices[4]. The study’s recommendations highlight the need for supportive policies that foster sustainable chicken production systems. National and county governments are encouraged to create environments that support the economic, environmental, and social aspects of poultry farming. This includes providing technical and extension support to ensure cost-effective production, effective marketing channels, and robust disease control measures. Such interventions could significantly enhance the benefits observed among adopters, making hybrid chicken production a viable strategy for improving food security and reducing poverty in rural areas. Incorporating insights from previous studies, the current research builds on the understanding that empowering women in agriculture can lead to substantial productivity gains[3]. By recognizing the gendered impacts of hybrid chicken adoption, the study underscores the importance of targeted interventions that address the specific needs of female farmers. This approach not only promotes gender equality but also enhances overall agricultural productivity and food security. In conclusion, the adoption of hybrid chicken production presents a promising strategy for smallholder farmers in Machakos County to increase their income and secure their food supply. By addressing the factors that influence adoption and supporting farmers through comprehensive policies and infrastructure improvements, the potential benefits of hybrid chickens can be fully realized. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that sustainable and well-supported agricultural innovations can play a pivotal role in achieving food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.

AgricultureSustainabilityAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Gender roles and constraints in enhancing hybrid chicken production for food security in lower Eastern Kenya

Published 3rd March, 2025

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318594

Related Studies

2) Indigenous village chicken production: a tool for poverty alleviation, the empowerment of women, and rural development.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02433-0

3) Women's empowerment in agriculture and agricultural productivity: Evidence from rural maize farmer households in western Kenya.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197995

4) Overview of Poultry Management as a Key Factor for Solving Food and Nutritional Security with a Special Focus on Chicken Breeding in East African Countries.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10080810


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