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Corresponding Author:
Ruth Ngepah, School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Coauthors:
Nicholas Ngepah, School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Charles S. Saba, School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Inequality of Value and Gender (dis)Empowerment along the Horticultural Value Chain in Malawi: The Role of Supermarkets and other Big Players

October 2, 2023
JEL classification: J16; Q13
Keywords: Gender (dis)Empowerment; Smallholder Farmers; Horticultural Value Chain

Abstract

This study investigates to what extent smallholder women farmers can access supermarkets and the horticultural value chain in Malawi. The data used was obtained through a survey among farmers and other players in the value chain. The data was analyzed and the results revealed significant women marginalization across all dimensions within the horticultural value chain. This study discloses that smallholder women farmers are undermined in decisions involving the choice of crops; what land sizes to own; where to sell their products; and the use of earned money. The results from this study underscore the importance of policy intervention to correct the existing inequalities.


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Institute for International Economics
of the Genoa Chamber of Commerce


Istituto di Economia Internazionale
Camera di Commercio di Genova
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