Hunger and malnutrition are scientific and moral problems that lie at the
root of most other global development challenges, since malnutrition
effectively blocks development and achievement across generations (Kavishe
1995). In Kenya, agriculture is the cornerstone of the economy. It employs
millions, feeds more, and has a multiplier effect in that farming supplies
raw materials to, and supports, many other industries. Small-scale farming
(on plots averaging 0.2–0.3 hectares) dominates food production in Kenya,
pointing to the importance of directing research and development efforts
towards smallholder and subsistence farming systems (Hickey et al. 2012).
Because most agricultural production takes place at the household level,
gender relations are central to understanding both how the farming system
works and the extent to which initiatives to build resilience in the farming
system (e.g., in relation to project research activities) support equity and
improve food and nutrition security. Men and women in various types of
households may make separate and autonomous decisions, as well as joint
decisions, on important matters such as adoption of new agricultural technologies
and practices. These decisions have implications for who provides
the labour and who reaps what rewards of that adoption. For example, it has
been shown that when women control income, they generally allocate a
higher percentage to food, health, clothing, and education for their children
than men do (FAO n.d.). As a result, a better understanding of the gendered
division of household labour is an essential component of enabling household
food provisioning and the marketing of agricultural products through
agricultural innovation systems capable of supporting resilience..