Authors: Anne Richard Mwakibete (Mzumbe University, Tanzania) and Jennifer Kasanda Sesabo, PhD (Mzumbe University, Tanzania)
Abstract: This study investigated wage employment within sugarcane outgrower schemes in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, with a specific focus on gender perspectives. Employing the case study design, the study involved the population of 3,987 with a sample size of 399 drawn from four villages within the Kilombero Valley. Data underwent descriptive analysis, utilising percentages and crosstabulation techniques. Furthermore, the Chi-square ascertained the association between gender of the household heads and their involvement in labour market practices. The findings highlight that female-headed households show a higher tendency towards engaging in selling labour while maleheaded households are more likely to hire labour. In light of these findings, this study suggests that to address these disparities effectively, gender-sensitive interventions in the agricultural sector are necessary, including providing women with equal access to resources, implementing policies promoting gender equality and establishing support networks to empower women in agriculture.