Gender responsiveness in Agricultural Extension service delivery: an assessment of extension workers competencies in Uasin Gishu County Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural productivity in Uasin Gishu County remains below potential, with maize yields averaging 4.0 t/ha against an attainable 6.75 t/ha and milk yields stagnating at 5 litres per cow per day compared to the potential 20 litres. Existing studies show that gender inequalities significantly constrain productivity: Irish potato production records an 11% yield gap favouring men, while women who make up 61% of smallholder dairy farmers continue to face restricted access to land, technology and extension support. Agricultural extension workers are critical in addressing such disparities. There is strong gender-mainstreaming commitments within Kenya’s agricultural policies, however production gap persists indicating limited translation of policy intent into field-level practice. Evidence points to limited gender competencies among staff. Despite this concern, empirical analysis of the gender-responsiveness of extension competencies in Uasin Gishu has remained scarce. This study therefore assessed the competencies of agricultural extension workers in responding to gender-related challenges affecting agricultural productivity in Uasin Gishu County. Guided by the Gender Transformative Change (GTC) theory and a pragmatic paradigm, the study focused on three objectives: determining the training in gender issues received by extension workers, examining the integration of gender issues into extension work and identifying interventions to enhance gender-responsive service delivery. A descriptive research design within a sequential transformative mixed-method approach (with quantitative priority) was employed. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula, a sample of 90 extension workers was drawn from a population of 116 and proportionally stratified by gender and deployment area. Quantitative data were collected using a customized UN based tool for assessing capacity to promote gender equality, while interviews with six farmers (three men and three women) provided qualitative insights. Findings revealed that 86% of extension workers had not received adequate gender training and about half did not integrate gender considerations into service delivery. Farmer interviews confirmed male-biased extension support. Respondents identified gender training (100%) and provision of gender manuals (80%) as key interventions. The study concludes that strengthening gender-responsive knowledge, skills and tools among extension workers is essential for reducing gender disparities and improving agricultural productivity in Uasin Gishu County.