https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/599 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:52:13 GMT 2026-04-14T13:52:13Z https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1647 Gender-based barriers to women participation gender responsiveness of initiatives and thier influence on women participation in coffee cooperatives in Kiambu county. Abuga, Sophiah Kemunto Embracing gender responsiveness in agricultural cooperatives is crucial for advancing women's rights and fostering inclusive growth. Despite various measures, women's participation in Kenyan coffee cooperatives has historically remained low, impeding broader development. The purpose of the study was to determine the gender-based barriers to women participation, gender responsiveness of initiatives and their influence on women participation in coffee cooperatives in Kiambu County. The study's specific objectives were to identify the gender-based barriers to women participation in coffee cooperative, to evaluate gender responsiveness of initiatives in the coffee sector and to examine trends in women participation in coffee cooperatives. The study was guided by the Gender and Development theory and a descriptive research design. The target population comprised Cooperative Members, Chairpersons of Management Boards, Coffee Managers and Cooperative Officers. A sample size of 398 participants was selected using simple random sampling from members and purposive techniques from other respondents. Data collection involved Key Informant Interviews with Cooperative Officers, In-Depth Interviews with Chairpersons of Management Board and Coffee Managers and questionnaires for Cooperative Members. The data collection instruments were pilot-tested in Kabete Sub-County, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.887, indicating high reliability. Face and content validity were ensured. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed key gender-based barriers persist, especially in access to farm inputs, lack of recognition of women's contributions and limited access to leadership roles. Also, while initiatives implemented were gender responsive, the Coffee bill, 2023 was found to have the lowest notable improvements in cultural norms and power dynamics, there was still a lack of potential for gender responsiveness, indicating limited capacity to foster inclusivity. Lastly, there was a positive trend in women’s participation over the last two years, the coffee sector, especially in decision-making and membership. The study concluded that; gender-based barriers should be addressed through targeted interventions such as creating training programs, continued implementation of initiatives was essential for further removing barriers and that the existing initiatives had positively influenced women participation. The study recommended further investigation be conducted to uncover the underlying causes of these barriers, revisions to the Coffee bill, 2023 to better promote gender inclusive practices in coffee sector and continuous assessment of gender responsive initiatives to ensure effectiveness and progress towards greater gender inclusivity in coffee cooperatives. The study recommended further area of study on the impact of internal, external and governmental programs on women’s participation in coffee cooperatives. Additional studies should also explore gender-based barriers and initiatives in other cooperative types, such as workers’ and consumer cooperatives. A project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of masters of cooperative management, the co-operative university of Kenya Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1647 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1646 Evaluation of financial management strategies on organization growth: case of savings and credit co-operative societies in Kirinyaga county, Kenya. Mwai, Duncan Kariuki Financial management is a crucial functional aspect of management and is vital for any company to actualize its goals. Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOS) play a vital role in financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas. However, despite their growth across Kenya, Kirinyaga County's SACCOS sector hasn't shown the same level of development compared to neighboring counties like Nyeri Embu and Meru. This study investigated the influence of financial management strategies on SACCOS growth in Kirinyaga County. It demonstrate that effective management of working capital, investments, loans, internal controls and financial structure can contribute to SACCOS growth. Understanding the factors influencing SACCOS growth is crucial for developing targeted strategies to enhance their performance and financial inclusion in Kirinyaga County. There was adoption of descriptive cross sectional research design to evaluate the impact of the four factors mentioned earlier and the influence of financial structure on SACCO growth. Deposit-taking SACCOS in Kirinyaga County was the target population of this study. Board Members of governors, accountants, auditors and managers were the respondents in this study. The study used 10% sampling technique formula (Mugenda and Mugenda 2003). Self-administered questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation were used to gather the data. The growth of the firm theory guided the study aside from other theories that explained aspects like internal control within a firm. The data was examined through descriptive statistics. The magnitude and direction of relationships were established by multiple regression. In data analysis, the software used was Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The collected data was edited to ensure consistency across the respondents and to locate any omissions. The results of this study are beneficial to numerous stakeholders including SACCO managers that can use the information to improve internal controls, re-evaluate their debt management practices, and seek out viable investments based on their growth objectives. Results implied that financial management practices have a positive influence on SACCOS growth. For instance, having a cash surplus showed a favorable correlation, while debt management practices such as monitoring borrowers had a weak yet positive correlation. A project submitted to the school of co-operative and community development in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of master degree in cooperative management, the co-operative university of Kenya. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1646 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1642 Gender related barriers and effectiveness of interventions to enhance women participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kajiado county, Kenya Atieno, Jocinter Increasing women's participation in agricultural cooperatives is essential for promoting rural development in developing nations. However, women in regions such as Kajiado County, Kenya, encounter numerous barriers that limit their active involvement in these cooperatives. Despite their pivotal role in agricultural productivity, women's participation remains low due to cultural, social, and economic challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify the gender-specific barriers hindering women’s participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kajiado County and to assess the interventions that can enhance their engagement. The objectives of the study were: To assess the level of women's participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kajiado County; To evaluate gender-related barriers to women’s participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kajiado County; and to assess the effectiveness of interventions to enhance women participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kajiado County. A thorough literature review informed the analysis, which drew on theoretical frameworks such as social capital theory, intersectionality, and leadership theories. The study employed a cross-sectional design, targeting women involved with agricultural cooperatives, cooperative leaders, and officials. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Findings revealed that women’s participation is constrained by economic limitations, such as restricted access to credit and resources; socio-cultural norms that undermine their roles in cooperative decision-making; and institutional barriers, including gender-insensitive cooperative by-laws. Although interventions like gender quotas and awareness programs have had positive impacts, their success is often hindered by entrenched structural and cultural issues. The study concludes that promoting women's participation in agricultural cooperatives requires a holistic approach addressing both systemic and cultural barriers. Policy implications include implementing gender-sensitive policies, promoting women’s leadership opportunities within cooperatives, and fostering inclusive environments that challenge traditional norms. These measures are essential for achieving equitable participation and unlocking the potential of agricultural cooperatives as drivers of rural development. A project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of master of community development of the co-operative university of Kenya Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1642 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1640 Strategies for addressing barriers to women’s participation in agricultural cooperatives in the post-covid-19 recovery period in Kiambu county. Bitange, Teresa Moraa The study focused on strategies to address the barriers for women participation in cooperative societies. The study specifically focused on organizational policy, financial, informational and organizational culture strategies to address barriers to women participation. objectives were to analyze the strategies employed by agricultural cooperatives to address organizational policy barriers to women participation in the post-covid-19 recovery period in Kiambu County, to analyze the strategies employed by agricultural cooperatives to address financial barriers to women participation in the post-covid-19 recovery period in Kiambu County, to evaluate the strategies taken by agricultural cooperatives to address informational barriers to women participation in the post-covid-19 recovery period in Kiambu County and to evaluate the strategies employed by agricultural cooperatives to address institutional culture barriers to women participation in the post-covid-19 recovery period in Kiambu County. The research was anchored on people-centered development theory and social capital theory. The study employed mixed method research design. It targeted 45 registered agricultural cooperative societies in Kiambu County with 114,267 members. A two-stage sampling technique was employed in the study. In the first stage purposive sampling was used to select agricultural cooperative societies and in the second stage simple random sampling was used to select the membership from the cooperative societies selected in the first stage. A sample size of 398 female agricultural cooperative society members was selected for the study. Data was collected through focus group discussions, questionnaires and Key informant interviews. Questionnaires were administered by the researcher to a selection of cooperative members while KII was administered to board of management, supervisory committee members and FGDs was administered to cooperative CEO, Chair board of management and chair supervisory committee. A pilot study was conducted to improve the reliability of the data collection instrument. Cronbach alpha of 0.769 was obtained signifying that the instrument was reliable. Supervisors and departmental experts assisted in checking content validity of the instruments. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic analysis The study found that organizational policies strategies had a positive correlation (p=0.000, r=0.331) therefore rejecting null hypothesis. Informational policies strategies had positive significant relationship (p =0.000, r =0.226) rejecting null hypothesis and organizational culture had a positive correlation (p=000, r =0.309). However, financial strategies had a negative insignificant relationship with women participation, (p=0.305, r= -0.061) leading to accepting null hypothesis. Study findings will be beneficial to Agricultural Co-operative societies, researchers and academicians, government and policy makers. The study's finding suggests that education levels, there is need for members to access audited accounts also to advertise in vernacular at the same time at social gathering. Women should be encouraged to participate in leadership roles and unfavorable institutional culture are key factors that limit the participation of women. The study recommended adequate training for women, provision of appropriate environment and prompt provision of information to members by use bulk short messages option and provision of adequate notice for meetings. A Thesis Submitted to the School of Cooperatives and Community Development in Partial Fulfillment for the Award of the Degree of Master of Community Development of the Cooperative University of Kenya. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.cuk.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1640 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z