An Influence Of Gender Constraints Dimensions On Opportunities: A Focus On Gender Awareness On Aquaculture In Western Kenya

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.