ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the obstacles that hinder women’s economic empowerment in value chain development. The study was conducted in Zimbabwe. Drawing from a mixed methods research approach, data were gathered from 248 women operating agribusinesses using focus group interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that women encounter various challenges along the value chain that negatively affect their earnings. The severity of the challenges is exacerbated by socio-cultural factors that perpetuate gender inequality in value chain development. The study recommended that all stakeholders in value chain development should devise strategies to address the challenges, and women should be part of the process. The government should develop policies and programmes that ease the process of business registration, guarantee agribusiness loans, and promote export incentives and leasing of farming equipment. There is a need to develop innovative financial solutions to formalise women’s saving clubs. The private sector, specifically in agriculture, should invest resources to support value chain development by providing improved hybrid seeds and bespoke training in business management and marketing. It is necessary to develop computer programmes that link producers and the rest of the value chain system participants. Supporting women in agriculture improves food security, alleviates poverty, and promotes rural economic development.
