Gendering Agro-Processing in the EAC Region

This briefing paper discusses the level of involvement and unique challenges women face in agro-processing sub-sector in the EAC region. In spite of high absorption of the female task force, agro-processing industries often engage women in low-paid tasks that demand low skills and training. The paper presents the status of self-employed female taskforce in the EAC and level of engagement as well as the unique barriers they face including limitations in decision making power, access to land, credit, and training; and household responsibilities that usurp them of time and energy. The paper forwards gender-sensitive policy actions to improve the involvement of women in production, processing and marketing of agro-based products.