Gender relations in development projects: the case of Kikafu Chini irrigation scheme

This study focused on gender relations in irrigated agriculture. Deliberate efforts made by- Tanzania government and International community, to bring about gender equality have not made much significant impact, and the achievements have remained minimal. Women compared to men have less or rather limited access to resource and decision making power. The research objective was to investigate gender relations from three levels, the household, the project and the community. The focus was on resource ownership and control and decision making. The research highlighted the relationship that existed between men and women on resource ownership, control and decision making and some of the factors which hinder women's full participation in decision making and ownership of resources. The people interviewed included the project co¬ordinator, women leader in the women department at the Project (WIA), the village leaders, the women group leaders and fifty villagers (20 men and 30 women) . Methods used for data collection were documentary review, interviews, focus group discussion, and observation. The research has revealed very minimal changes in gender relations in irrigated agriculture. Women at Kikafu Chini were allowed to go into the intake, (where control gates were constructed) whereas before it was a taboo. Women had access to credit through Women Participatory Project Groups and through the groups they organised economic activities which help them to earn money.