Abstract:
Gender refers to the relationships between men and women and their respective status in
their family, community and society. Gender considerations in fisheries and aquaculture is
therefore important because it incorporates their complementary roles to increase
productivity. The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between
gender constraints dimensions on opportunities among fish farmers in Western Kenya with
a focus on gender awareness. This study is premised on the understanding that
incorporation of gender dimensions results to increased opportunities in aquaculture. In
conducting this study, fish farmers were purposively selected from three counties of
Western Kenya, namely, Kakamega, Kisii and Homa Bay. This study was anchored on
Harvard analytical theory and supported by Moser and women empowerment framework.
The population of this study was 6595 farmers with a sample size of 540. A questionnaire
was used to collect data, and was coded and keyed into SPSS V.25 computer software. A
pilot study was conducted in Nyamira county. For reliability internal consistency was
measured using Cronbach’s coefficient while for validity, the study tested face validity and
content validity. Cronbach's Alpha had an average mean of 0.743. Data analysis was done
using descriptive statistics, which included means, standard deviations, percentages and
frequencies. For inferential statistics, pearson correlation, simple linear regression and
multiple regression were used. The analyzed data was presented using tables, charts and
graphs. Study findings indicated that gender constraints dimensions had a positive and
significant effect on opportunities (F = 222.325, ρ = 0.000). The findings further indicated
a significant moderating effect of 1.6% on gender awareness on the relationship between
gender constraints dimensions on opportunities. The study recommends the importance of
incorporating gender awareness on constraints dimensions to increase opportunities from
fish farming.
