Abstract:
Agriculture is a leading source of employment for rural
populations in Kenya. Through a mixed methods approach, this study
sought to investigate youth participation in smallholder livestock production
and marketing in Baringo County. The specific focus is on how social norms
and micropolitics enable or constrain participation of particular groups
of young people. The study established that personal choice, preference
for paid over unpaid labour and gender norms in asset access, ownership
and control influence smallholder participation in livestock production
and trade. This shows a disconnect between Kenya’s youth policy which
advocates for equitable distribution of employment opportunities and the
reality at community level. Interventions that seek to improve livestock
production and marketing, particularly involving young people, should
therefore adopt strategies that recognise these norms as a first step to
addressing social exclusion.
