Women in Africa’s livestock trade face significant gender-based challenges that hinder their potential to contribute fully to local and national economies. Despite playing crucial roles in livestock care and management, systemic barriers such as limited access to credit, market opportunities, and education restrict their ability to expand their businesses and enhance their livelihoods.
In areas like north-eastern Kenya, women are often excluded from formal financial systems due to factors such as cultural norms, lack of collateral, and inadequate financial literacy. These obstacles make it difficult for them to invest in livestock, purchase necessary inputs, or scale their enterprises. Financial institutions frequently fail to provide tailored products for women entrepreneurs, including Sharia-compliant financing options, leaving many without viable solutions for growth.
A lack of advisory services and financial literacy training further compounds the problem. Women often miss out on crucial knowledge and guidance, leaving them ill-prepared to manage and grow their ventures effectively. The absence of market information, resources, and networks means that women frequently sell their products at lower prices or are subjected to exploitative practices by middlemen who take advantage of their limited bargaining power.
Cultural and societal norms also limit women’s participation in decision-making roles within the livestock trade. Many communities expect women to prioritize household responsibilities, restricting their ability to attend training sessions, advocate for policy changes, or take on leadership roles in livestock organizations. These constraints reduce women’s visibility and influence in the sector, further reinforcing their marginalization.
Women in livestock trade often face intense competition from male counterparts, who leverage greater financial power to dominate the market. Men can inflate prices to outbid women, who typically lack comparable financial resources. This forces many women to step back from direct trading roles, leaving them to act as intermediaries or brokers with significantly reduced profits.
To address these challenges, various initiatives aim to create a more equitable environment for women in livestock trade. One such effort is the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform, spearheaded by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). This regional platform seeks to promote inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and improved livelihoods through pastoralism. It emphasizes fostering collaboration, leveraging innovation, and removing barriers to women’s participation in livestock markets.
The APMD Platform prioritizes financial literacy training, access to microloans, and market information systems tailored to the needs of women and youth. Policy reforms and support for inclusive business environments are also central to the initiative. By integrating private sector actors into markets and ensuring a functional data ecosystem, the platform aims to empower women and youth to access markets and share in the benefits of trade.
Additionally, governments are recognizing the importance of involving women in decision-making processes at community and national levels. Policies and programs are being developed to link women’s livestock production and marketing groups to local and international markets, enhance product quality and quantity, and increase competitiveness.
By addressing the structural barriers women face, African nations have the opportunity to empower women, boost economic growth, and improve food security. Closing the gender gap in livestock trade can lead to increased productivity, higher incomes, and more inclusive societies. With continued efforts to foster gender equity in the livestock sector, women can unlock their full potential, driving sustainable development across the continent.
