Contribution of Land Tenure Changes in Empowering Maasai Women Pastoralists in Resources Management: A Case Study of Elangatwuas Ward, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

This research explores the contribution of land tenure changes in empowering Maasai women pastoralists in resource management. The study focuses on understanding the benefits and challenges of land subdivision for Maasai women, examining changes in decision-making processes at the household and community levels, exploring shifts in gender roles and resource access, and assessing the overall empowerment of Maasai women through land tenure changes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative surveys. The study findings reveal significant positive impacts of the land subdivision on Maasai women's empowerment. The benefits identified include reduced cases of husbands being polygamous, increased chances of women's involvement in business and employment, equal chances for male and female children to inherit and own family land, increased ability to undertake projects on the land, and the freedom for women to own their own livestock. These changes have provided women with increased decision-making power within households and communities, allowing them to participate in determining land use, livestock management, education for children, and building family houses. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including conflicts over land inheritance, limited knowledge of legal rights among illiterate girls, and smaller grazing areas for livestock. However, the research concludes that overall, land tenure changes have empowered Maasai women by enabling them to engage in business, acquire education, own livestock, and own land. The results highlight the importance of recognizing and strengthening women's rights in land and resource management to achieve gender equity and sustainable development in pastoralist communities. This research contributes to the understanding of the transformative potential of land tenure changes in empowering Maasai women pastoralists and informs strategies for promoting gender equity and sustainable resource management in similar contexts.