Gender and agricultural value chains: evidence from the onion market in Senegal

Purpose This study evaluates women's participation and pricing strategies in the onion value chain, Senegal's leading vegetable. We aim to understand gender differences in the prices traders and producers receive, as well as revenue. Design/methodology/approach Our primary approach uses ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models to examine the gender disparity in sales prices and revenues across the value chain. Findings Female onion producers receive 22\% lower prices than their male counterparts, while female traders in urban markets earn 41\% less revenue and are more sensitive to price changes. Research limitations/implications The results suggest that systemic barriers continue to limit the earning potential for female traders, even if they may adapt their pricing strategies. Women's revenues are more responsive to price changes than men's. Originality/value We contribute one of the first studies to explain gender disparities in the mid-stream and downstream segments of food value chains in a large developing-economy like Senegal. The contribution addresses the growing importance of a value-chain perspective to food security in developing countries, where rapid urbanization and the transformation of food systems means that intermediaries account for a greater share of the value of consumed food.