Policy Brief: Tanzanian Policies and Gender Inequality in Agri-Food Value Chains
DOWNLOADDecember 9, 2024 - Dr. Lilian V. Mtasingwa
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EmailThis policy brief, authored by Dr. Lilian V. Mtasingwa, examines how Tanzania’s legal and policy frameworks influence gender dynamics in agri-food value chains. It evaluates four key legal documents: the Customary Law Declaration Order (1963), the Law of Marriage Act (1971), the Women and Gender Development Policy (2000), and the National Strategy for Gender Development (2005).
Key Issues:
- The Customary Law Declaration Order (1963) limits women’s land ownership and marital freedom, reinforcing unequal power dynamics.
- The Law of Marriage Act (1971) includes progressive provisions for property rights but contradicts customary laws, reducing its impact.
- The Women and Gender Development Policy (2000) promotes women’s empowerment but lacks focus on diverse gender needs, often sidelining men’s challenges.
- The National Strategy for Gender Development (2005) outlines gender equality goals but suffers from poor coordination and limited data for monitoring and evaluation.
Key Findings:
- Men dominate high-value nodes like fish and tomato markets, while women are relegated to less profitable roles like vegetable retailing.
- Women face restricted access to resources, technology, and decision-making power, undermining their potential in value chains.
- Gender mainstreaming efforts often misinterpret inclusivity, focusing solely on women rather than addressing broader gender dynamics.
Recommendations:
- Amend outdated laws, including the Customary Law and Marriage Act, to promote gender equity.
- Conduct regular policy reviews to incorporate emerging issues.
- Secure funding for gender training and awareness programs.
- Include gender mainstreaming in academic curricula for agriculture-focused institutions.
- Establish systems for collecting gender-disaggregated data to inform policy and program design.
Conclusion:
Addressing gender disparities in Tanzania’s agri-food value chains requires a multi-pronged approach. Amending legal frameworks, improving data systems, and promoting gender awareness will help achieve equity and enhance the sector’s productivity and sustainability.
