Gender-Responsive Resource Governance on Sustainable Resources Utilization in Murang'a County, Kenya

Abstract

The research paper examines how gender-responsive resource governance affects the use of resources in Murang'a County, Kenya. It highlights how gender disparities affect access and control over resources, collective action and cooperatives, environmental resource management, gender representation in governance structures, and sustainable utilization of resources. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5), which promotes gender equality as a foundation for sustainable development. The theoretical frameworks employed are the Harvard Analytical Framework and the Moser Gender Planning Framework. The methodology employed is a desktop review, which enabled the researcher to synthesize existing empirical literature, policy, documents, and county development reports to collect and analyze data on gendered patterns of resource access, control, distribution and management. The study establishes that although national gender policies and devolved governance structures are put in place in Murang’a County, women continue to suffer due to systemic barriers to access and control over land use, financial resources, and decision-making platforms. Men control the ownership of land and take leadership positions in both cooperatives and county governance structures, thereby contributing to unequal utilization of resources. As a result, agricultural productivity, household welfare, and environmental sustainability are weakened. However, the study identifies some local initiatives that demonstrate how inclusion of women in governance may improve sustainable resource outcomes. Such programs include gender-responsive budgeting, women-led cooperatives, training in digital skills, and climate-resilient agricultural programs. The research study concludes that gender inequalities remain deeply embedded in resource governance and utilization in the County. Therefore, to achieve sustainable utilization of resources, it is important to deliberately incorporate gender-responsiveness in all stages of the resource governance cycle. The research study recommends the strengthening of institutions, policy reform, and community-based interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.