1. Microfinance and small holder farmers productivity
Joy Kiiru
DFG/NSTC Conference Lusaka 19th-20th Oct

2. The issue of Inclusion
The current jargon in development discourses today is “Inclusion”
Inclusion as a research issue took prominence in the past decade of the “Africa Rising” story.
High growth rates in the context of persistent poverty /marginalization and unemployment
Rural areas especially those dominated by subsistence agricultural activity (more women) remained marginalised
How can economic growth benefit all segments of society (inclusive growth)

3. Agriculture sector marginalised
Agriculture Supports about 75% of livelihoods and employs over 60% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa.
Smallholder farmers are the majority in the African agriculture sector that is faced with low productivity.
Women are the majority of players in subsistence agriculture in sub saharan Africa
Yet the sector and the key players remain economically marginalised

4. Yet there are Opportunities
Volatility of agricultural produce: High food prices in some countries and international trade reforms in many African countries- Farmers could earn decent incomes
Growing middle class

5. Financial services as catalyst for farmers
Microfinance can ensure sustainability of access to financial services by poor farmers
Access to credit by small holder farmers will not only help with consumption smoothing but would also ensure access to farming inputs
Micro insurance, for both health and crops can cushion farmers against shocks

6. The research
My research has specifically dwelled on issues of inclusion:
More specifically inclusive finance and issues of gender
Inclusive finance is about availing a range of banking products and financial services to the poor mainly to improve the productivity of their labour
In terms of Gender both women and men should benefit from growth

7. Inclusive finance/Microfinance

8. Does it really work??

9. Data types
Panel data would be good for such analysis: but it may cost a bit of time
The other way is to use propensity score matching, coupled with sample randomization: Huge sample (primary data set) will be required
For students who may neither have the time nor much money we recommend the two stage least squares or the Instrumental method estimation.

10. Major findings
Sustainability of access to financial services at “favourable” terms is important: It takes time to see the impact
Microfinance does not reach the poorest
Financial services are necessary, though not sufficient conditions for welfare improvement
Access to financial services need to be complemented by other services like social protection for the poorest
Coupled with access to markets microfinance can improve the welfare of smallholder farers.

11. Irrigation and women empowerment
The current research: Funded by IDRC
Collaboration with Urban Institute of Washington DC and Egerton University
My role: Principal investigator and project manager for Kenya
We study irrigation and women empowerment within the context of Public, community and privately managed irrigation schemes

12. Motivation:
Important role of women: 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries.
They contribute up to 50 per cent in Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
This could also vary depending on specific crop and agricultural activity (FAO 2011).

13. The important role of irrigation
Irrigation is a strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security
Especially in the context of climate change and rainfall variability
Gender issues in irrigated agriculture must be considered to ensure that both men and women have the opportunities to adopt irrigation technologies

14. Why concern with gender
Women are majority of players in subsistence agriculture within sub Saharan Africa
Irrigation brings opportunities of increased incomes through agribusiness
The risks of gender tilt when subsistence agriculture sheds the image of toil sum non productive sector
There is need for policies to ensure that women benefit and continue to benefit from irrigated agriculture

15. Research Problem
Effects of irrigation on women empowerment and household food security is under researched
Further, even when women are involved in irrigated agriculture: What is their exact role
Control and access to resources has implications on real empowerment: Are women voices heard in irrigation management committees?

16. Central Research Question
This study is expected to generate empirical evidence on irrigation and women empowerment.
The central research question for this study is: What is the role of irrigated agriculture on women empowerment in Kenya, and do women have significant control of irrigation resources through participation in irrigation committees?

17. Current status of research
Data collection begins mid next month
We have already selected the study sites (public community and private irrigation schemes)
We aim to complete a total of questionnaires
Focus group discussions and key informant interviews shall complement our quantitative data.

18. Thank you