Leveraging Women's Empowerment in the Agro-Industry During the Era of Devolution in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Women’s empowerment in the agro-industry is critical in achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Resultantly, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of women’s empowerment within the agro-industry of Mutoko District, Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on the role of devolution in shaping gendered pathways to sustainable development. Grounded in empowerment theory and the governance concept of devolution, the research interrogates how decentralised structures and processes influence women’s agency, access to resources, and participation in decision-making and agro-industry value chains. It argues that integrating gender dimensions into devolved governance frameworks holds transformative potential for advancing both women’s empowerment and gender equality in rural economies. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the research draws on data collected from 68 participants in Mutoko District, Mashonaland East Province. Findings reveal that devolution has created new spaces for women’s involvement in decision-making, particularly through capacity-building initiatives that enhance skills and knowledge. Women demonstrated substantial expertise in agro-industry practices, underscoring their critical role in driving economic empowerment and sustainable development. However, the study identifies persistent structural and systemic barriers impeding women’s full participation and benefit. These include reliance on outdated post harvest technologies, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to productive assets and resources, poor transport networks, high transport costs, and the absence of gender responsive markets and business support systems. Notably, the lack of modern, labour saving technologies in post-harvest processing emerged as a key constraint to scaling and commercialising value chains for traditional grains, horticultural produce, and oil seeds. Despite these challenges, women employed collaborative strategies to bridge resource gaps and exhibited resilience in balancing productive and reproductive responsibilities. The study concludes that local governance structures remain insufficiently responsive to gender inequalities, often reinforcing women’s subordinate roles. To catalyse inclusive development, the thesis recommends a devolved, gender-sensitive approach to agro-industry value chain development one that incorporates indigenous knowledge systems and ecological considerations to enhance value addition and commercialisation. This research contributes to the discourse on devolution, gender equality, and rural transformation by highlighting the importance of empowering women as agents of change in agro-industry development. It directs the attention of policy makers to the post-harvest value chain to support investment in post-harvest technologies and avert losses and promote food and nutritional security.