Gender roles in maize food systems: a case of smallholder farmers in rural Malawi

The purpose of this study was to determine gender roles of smallholder farmers in maize food systems of rural Malawi. Gender roles and perception levels in the maize food system were assessed using a convergent mixed methods research design whereby both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Results showed that the majority of members in farmer groups and cooperatives (85%), loan beneficiaries (59%), and farm inputs beneficiaries (64%) are men. This means that males are the dominant gender in the farmer groups and cooperatives and that they have an upper hand in terms of accessing resources that are critical for maize production when compared to women. Men take a major role in deciding on how to access farm inputs (54%) and how to use the farm inputs (50%). Men and women jointly take major roles in deciding on the type of seed to grow (40%) and on the use of loan money (35%). This shows that men take the lead in decision-making processes of their households. Furthermore, women are less involved than men when it comes to implementing activities during the maize production, processing, and distribution stages. However, there is higher involvement of women than men when it comes to activities during the maize consumption stage. The correlation test has shown weak linkages and little influence between the maize food system stages. Stakeholders should promote adequate gender integration in all the maize food system stages to ensure equal participation and benefits for men and women and improve food security.