GENDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIES THAT CAN BE EMPLOYED IN IMPROVED BEE KEEPING IN TRANS MARA SUB COUNTY, NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: This study sought to explore the gender responsive strategies that can be employed in Improved Bee Keeping in Trans Mara Sub County, Narok County, Kenya Methodology: The study used an investigative survey design with a mixed method approach. Through stratified random sampling, 180 respondents were interviewed for household surveys, 16 key informants (KII), and four (4) focus groups discussions (FGDs), comprising of 36 participants. Structured and Semi-structured interviews with closed and open ended questions were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data based on research objectives. An interview guide was used to collect information from participants in FGDs and interview schedules for KIIs. The data collected was analysed using SPSS and excel spreadsheet. Findings: Findings showed that both genders suggested the fact that training centres will improve access to bee keeping skills. However, while men did not mind the locality, women needed the centres on-farm. Women’s solutions are geared towards capital and gender related factors that constrain them while men’s are on improvement of services offered. The study found that the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) centre in the study area has plans to assist bee keepers to advertise and market their products through associations, a scenario that triggered diverse solutions from both genders to marketing challenges. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study suggests that projects with bee interventions should plan for gender responsive forums where all key players, including men and women farmers, can come together in order to strengthen production and marketing depending on the prevailing challenges.