Role of Gender Equality in the Enhancement of Tea Quality and Quantity in Kenya: A Survey of Farmers Served by Gathuthi Tea Factory of Nyeri County

Studies have shown that gender equality has a crucial part to pray in the improvement of any situation that has faced human being. However its role in the tea sector is not well known. This study sought to identify the role of gender equality in enhancement of tea quality and quantity. The study assessed the most important aspects of gender equality, the extent of its use, the factors limiting its use and the relationship between it and tea quality and quantity. The study was a census of all tea farmers served by Gathuthi tea factory in Nyeri County. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires with the aid of a questionnaire guide. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and then presented in tables charts, in percentages and frequencies. The research found that Gender equality is an important component in the improvement of tea quality and also quantity. The respondents clearly stated that what was most important is the issue of involving everybody in the family in decision making concerning money and any other resource that are used in process of tea production. The research identified the factors related to gender that limited the production of better quality and also quantity. These included among others, lack of honesty among family members, one person decision, dictatorship in the family, miss use of financial resources and other resources etc.The findings were that there are a direct positive relationship between gender equality and enhancement of tea quality and quantity. The study also made some recommendations that are geared towards improving on tea quality and quality for future consideration.