Socio-economic benefits of women empowerment in small-scale farming in Raffingora, Zimbabwe

When land was redistributed in Zimbabwe at the turn of the millennium, women were also beneficiaries, despite there being a gender dimension in land redistribution. This study examines the socio-economic benefits of women empowerment in small-scale farming (A1 farming) among female farmers in Raffingora, Zimbabwe. The study employed a qualitative approach through an exploratory case study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants and 5 key informants. From the data analysed through thematic analysis, the participants reflected that they benefitted from women empowerment programmes in farming through asset accumulation, independence in decision-making, improved nutrition, improved housing conditions, and improved agricultural practices, despite a plethora of challenges. The researchers then suggest a need to include women in agricultural decision-making processes by removing gender barriers if sustainable agriculture and women's empowerment are to be fully achieved.