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Abstract
A mixed-methods, multiple-stage approach was used to obtain data on how gender and
wealth affected participation in community groups in Meru, Kenya, and how men and women
farmers obtain and diffuse agricultural information. Research techniques included participant
observation, documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, social mapping, group timelines,
and structured questionnaires. Dairy-goat farmer groups were interviewed for the study.
Qualitative data provided baseline information, and helped in the formulation of research
questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using contingency tables, descriptive statistics,
correlations, tests of significance, and regression. Factors that affected participation in different
types of groups included household composition, age, and gender. Women made up 59 percent
of the dairy-goat group (DGG) members, with the DGG project encouraging women’s
participation. Women made up 76 percent of DGG treasurer positions; 43 percent of secretary
positions, and 30 percent of chairperson positions. Gender also influenced participation in clan
groups, water groups, and merry-go-round (savings and loans) groups. Wealth did not appear to
have a significant effect on participation in community groups. Extension was the most
important information source for both men and women farmers. However, church and
indigenous knowledge (passed on from parents) seemed more important to women. Both men
and women mentioned other farmers, groups, and “baraza” (public meetings used to make
announcements and diffuse information) as important information sources, but they rated them at
different levels of importance. Men were diffusing information to greater numbers of people than
women, although men and women diffused to similar sources. This study shows that because
men and women traditionally participate in different types of groups and receive agricultural
information from different sources, development agencies must target different types of groups
and institutions to reach men, women, or poor farmers. Mechanisms should be developed to
include women, the poor, and other targeted groups in community associations that provide
market and other income-earning opportunities.