Empowerment and gender dynamics in the post-production process for rice in Eastern Uganda

Using data collected from 515 downstream rice value chain agents in Eastern Uganda, we analyse gendered participation and its effect on empowerment. We apply a probit model and an endogenous treatment effects model to assess participation in milled rice trading and its causal effect on empowerment. Results show that men dominate the downstream nodes of the rice value chain, and time spent on reproductive activities reduces the probability of women’s participation in milled rice trading by 5.7 per cent. Participation in milled rice trading significantly increases empowerment scores for both men and women by 0.038 and 0.041, respectively. The study recommends providing women with formal education, information, and strengthening their membership in self-help groups to enhance their participation in the downstream nodes of the value chain and empowerment.