The Dynamics and Role of Gender in High-Value Avocado Farming in Kenya

Abstract We used two-wave panel data obtained from avocado growers in Murang’a County Kenya to examine, through the perspective of gender, dynamics farmers’ participation production and marketing organizations (PMOs), test whether understanding group is important for analyzing contract farming. Using a multinomial logit (MNL) model, we identify characteristics men women participating PMOs categorized as early adopters, dis-adopters, late non-adopters. focus on dis-adopters adopters because these categories are most often ignored literature. Moreover, without considering dynamics, verify influencing factors by estimating random-effects model that controls unobserved heterogeneity across households. Furthermore, estimate sequential-choice process selection into membership affects contracting. Our results reveal with regard household, farm, resource farmers between gender groups. Besides, contracting related, ignoring former leads biased estimates determinants dynamics. Policy efforts should supporting enhance their PMOs, which ultimately Improving access high-yielding varieties building capacity orchard management would women’s decision-making including participation, contracting, marketing. Low-cost agricultural credit may also improve ownership improved trees hence high-value markets.