Productivity Differences between Male and Female Managed Farms in the Eastern and Central Highlands of Kenya

This study was carried out in an agroforestry farming system in the central highlands of Kenya. The purpose of the study was to compare the productivity and technical efficiency of male and female managed farms. The study also sought to investigate the sources of differences in the Total Value Product and the technical efficiency of farms. Using a female dummy, the study found no evidence of differences in total value product between male and female managed farms. Male managed farms were however more technically efficient than female managed farms. The highest proportion of farms in the lowest bracket of efficiency levels was female managed farms. The total value product was found to be positively affected by age of the farmer, female labour and inputs while it was negatively affected by land size.