Understanding gender-based constraints among potato farmers for benefiting from quality seeds

Background Potatoes constitute a major crop in Kenya and are cultivated by approximately 800,000 smallholder farmers. However, yields remain low because of limited access to certified seeds. Formal seed system interventions lack gender responsiveness, leaving female farmers at a disadvantage and reliant on recycling saved seeds. This study is based on an assessment of a seed distribution intervention by Kisima Farm, a private seed company. This study aims to assess gender-specific differences in potato production, resource access, and decision-making. It also examines socioeconomic, institutional, and cultural factors that influence women’s and men’s access to and adoption of quality potato seeds from certified sources. Methods This study is a secondary gender analysis of data collected from potato farmers in central Kenya. The study employs a multivariate probit model to examine gender differences in certified seed adoption and use. It also uses the exogenous switching treatment effects regression (ESTER) model to assess the causal effect of plot manager gender on productivity. Results Female farmers have lower access to quality seeds than male farmers. The ESTER model shows lower potato productivity for female plot managers. Factors such as the need to replace seeds every three seasons, limited access to land, household food insecurity, and price constraints contribute to a 71% gender gap in potato productivity. Conclusion Commercialised potato seed systems are male-oriented and are inadequate in addressing the needs of female smallholder farmers. The study recommends gender-responsive seed system interventions grounded in targeted needs and capacities of women towards fostering more inclusive and diverse potato production systems. Clinical trial number Not applicable.