The Economic Empowerment Of Women Small-Scale Sunflower Farmers In Tanzania

As the Tanzanian economy continues to grow and move towards economic independence, the government has placed focus on increasing domestic production of agricultural goods. One of the largest sectors included in this push is edible oils, specifically the government's efforts to increase sunflower cultivation for the production of sunflower oil. These efforts have included an increase in training, grants, and research in the sunflower industry. While these actions have seen positive results, one important factor has consistently been left out of the conversation of developing the sunflower sector - the inclusion of women sunflower farmers, who are responsible for the majority of sunflower cultivation. This study aims to give these women a voice on the policy stage and subsequently advance their societal and economic stance. In order to do this, a survey of 72 questions was conducted with 117 participants (55% female, 45% male) from the Singida District of Tanzania. The answers given by these participants offer insight into 1) the challenges experienced by both men and women; 2) the difference in participation levels between men and women; and 3) disparities in economic freedom and personal agency between men and women. Using the information gained from the data, this report provides holistic recommendations concerning how to combat the common obstacles faced by sunflower farmers, the creation of programmes that facilitate women's economic empowerment, and innovative approaches to encourage women's participation in the decision making process. This research is part of a larger study on the economic advancement of women within growing agricultural sectors. By focusing on women sunflower farmers in Tanzania, this report gives insight into the relationship between gender and economic development and offers the perspective of those who are too often excluded from the development platform.