The Role of Matrilineal Kinship in Resources Allocation, Decision Making and Marketing of Spice Products in Morogoro Region Tanzania

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 12 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : G. Agness Metta, Respikius Martin, David Mhando

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I2P102

How to Cite?

G. Agness Metta, Respikius Martin, David Mhando, "The Role of Matrilineal Kinship in Resources Allocation, Decision Making and Marketing of Spice Products in Morogoro Region Tanzania," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 12,  no. 2, pp. 9-21, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I2P102

Abstract:

In some regions of Tanzania, including Morogoro, spice production is a significant economic activity. However, its full potential may not be realised due to the complex socio-cultural kinship that influences resource allocation and marketing strategies. Specifically, the role of matrilineal kinship in these processes has not been adequately explored. While matrilineal societies may have distinct patterns of resource ownership, decision-making, and distribution, their impact on the management of agricultural resources and commercialization of spice products remains under-researched. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining how matrilineal traditions affect the allocation of resources in cultivating spices and marketing its products in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires to 121 respondents obtained through the probability sampling technique. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions from two groups, one group of 16 participants in each village, and key informant interviews with one Extension Officer and two village leaders. Findings reveal that while matrilineal systems grant women certain rights, such as land inheritance, decision-making remains male dominated, particularly in critical aspects such as land use and sales of bulk spices. Household decision-making tends to be collaborative, but men often retain the final authority. The study concludes that gender dynamics continue to shape key decisions regarding land use and the bulk sale of spice products. The findings underscore the complexity of gender roles within matrilineal societies, where women’s rights may not fully translate into control over economic resources.

Keywords:

Decision Making, Marketing and Spice Products, Matrilineal Kinship, Resource Allocation.

References:

[1] Ani Rudra Silwal, “Three Essays on Agriculture and Economic Development in Tanzania,” Doctoral Dissertation, University of Sussex, pp. 1-140, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Ainessy Ngolle, “Contribution of Spice Farming to Household’s Income on the Slopes of Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro Tanzania,” Master’s Thesis, Sokoine University of Agriculture, pp. 1-67, 2021.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Vuyiseka Majali, “The Socio-cultural Factors Affecting the Participation of Women in Agricultural Development: Khezana Village in Alice District,” Doctoral Dissertation, University of Fort Hare, pp. 1-145, 2012.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Agnes Andersson Djurfeldt et al., ““The Family Farms Together, The Decisions, However are Made by the Man”—Matrilineal Land Tenure Systems, Welfare and Decision Making in Rural Malawi,” Land Use Policy, vol. 70, pp. 601-610, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Nelly John Babere, and Beatrice Nepo Mbeya, “Endangered Culture The Changing Landscape of Matrilineal Land Ownership in Rural Communities in Kasanga Settlement in Morogoro, Tanzania,” African Journal of Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 200-214, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Sara Lowes, “Matrilineal Kinship and Spousal Cooperation: Evidence from the Matrilineal Belt,” Unpublished Manuscript, pp. 1-59, 2018.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Amanda Lea Robinson, and Jessica Gottlieb, “How to Close the Gender Gap in Political Participation: Lessons from Matrilineal Societies in Africa,” British Journal of Political Science, vol. 51, no. 1, pp. 68-92, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Huriatu Anafo Alidu, “Land Allocation to Women: A Case Study of Two Communities in the Northern Region of Ghana,” United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme, pp. 1-51, 2015.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Minakshi Keeni et al., “Women Empowerment in a Rural Matrilineal Society of Meghalaya, India,” Journal of Asian Rural Studies, vol. 2, no. 2, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] C. Subramanian, “Overcoming Traditional Norms: Exploring the Role of Education in Advancing Women's Socio-Economic Status in Palakkad, Kerala,” Journal of Namibian Studies, vol. 34, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Siwan Anderson, and Chris Bidner, An Institutional Perspective on the Economics of the Family, Handbook of the Economics of the Family, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 443-500, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] John Henry Kwingwa, “Challenges Faced by Smallholder Spice Farmers in Controlling Market in Tanzania: A Case of Morogoro District,” Doctoral Dissertation, Sokoine University of Agricurture, 2022.
[Google Scholar]
[13] Abdul Mutolib et al., “Gender Inequality and The Oppression of Women within Minangkabau Matrilineal Society: A Case Study of the Management of Ulayat Forest Land in Nagari Bonjol, Dharmasraya District, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia,” Asian Women, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 23-49, 2016.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Cheryl Doss et al., “Gender Inequalities in Ownership and Control of Land in Africa: Myth and Reality,” Agricultural Economics, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 403-434, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Rachel Brulé, and Nikhar Gaikwad, “Culture, Capital, and The Political Economy Gender Gap: Evidence from Meghalaya’s Matrilineal Tribes,” The Journal of Politics, vol. 83, no. 3, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Eva Tène, On the Historical Roots of Gender Norms: Evidence from Matrilineal Societies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mimeo, 2021.
[Google Scholar]
[17] Wahyudi David, and Angelika Ploeger, Role of Matrilineal System, Gender and Education in Traditional Farming Systems and Food Culture in West Sumatra Indonesia, Conference: 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress, pp. 1-4, 2011.
[Google Scholar]
[18] Kristina E. Stege, “Land and Women: The Matrilineal Factor: The Cases of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu,” Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, pp. 1-138, 2008.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Eszter Lindholm-Csányi, "The Powers of the Weak". Representations of Women's Power in Kenyan Literature,” pp. 1-91, 2007.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Benjamin Linkow, “Whose Incentives? The Evolution of Inheritance Practices, Intergenerational Conflict, and Women’s Control over Land in Rural Kenya,” Munich Personal RePEc Archives, pp. 1-53, 2010.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] David Gever Ishor et al., “Sociological Analysis of the Changing Patterns of Inheritance and Succession in Traditional African Society,” Sociological Analysis, vol. 3, no. 18, pp. 63-68, 2013.
[Google Scholar]
[22] Marco Casari, and Maurizio Lisciandra, “Gender Discrimination and Common Property Resources: A Model,” Munich Personal RePEc Archives, pp. 1-28, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Susan Joekes, Cathy Green, and Melissa Leach, “Integrating Gender into Environmental Research and Policy,” Working Paper Series, pp. 1-62, 1996.
[Google Scholar]
[24] Nicholas T. Garcia, “Matrilineal Asset Inheritance, Female Bargaining Power, and Household Welfare in Malawi,” Thesis, University of San Francisco, pp. 1-32, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] C.J.P. Colfer, M. Elias, and R. Jamnadass, “Women and Men in Tropical Dry Forests: A Preliminary Review,” International Forestry Review, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 70-90, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Ruth S. Meinzen-Dick et al., “Gender, Assets, and Agricultural Development Programs: A Conceptual Framework,” CAPRi Working Paper, pp. 1-38, 2011.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Selinaswati Selinaswati, “Women in Politics in Matrilineal Society (A Case Study of West Sumatra, Indonesia),” Doctoral Dissertation, Deakin University, pp. 1-243, 2014.
[Google Scholar]
[28] Maryam Jamilah, Satria Ananda, and Asrinaldi, “Resilient Traditions, Modern Realities: Women's Agency in Minangkabau's Political Economy,” Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 89-114, 2024.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[29] Cheryl Doss, Ruth Meinzen-Dick, and Allan Bomuhangi, “Who Owns the Land? Perspectives from Rural Ugandans and Implications for Large-Scale Land Acquisitions,” Feminist Economics, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 76-100, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[30] Charles Kamau Wambu, “Influence of Selected Socio-cultural Factors on Gender Participation in Management of Water Projects in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru Kenya,” Thesis, Egerton University, pp. 1-144, 2017.
[Google Scholar]
[31] Madison Shaffer, “Empowering Women Through Land: An Analysis of the Barriers in Accessing Land Rights within Kisumu County, Kenya,” Independent Study Project, pp. 1-57, 2019.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[32] Frank F.K. Byamugisha, and Nancy Dubosse, “The Investment Case for Land Tenure Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cost–Benefit Analysis,” Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, vol. 14, no. S1, pp. 272-300, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[33] Jemimah Njuki et al., “Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets, Gender and Intra-Household Dynamics: Does the Choice of Commodity Matter?,” The European Journal of Development Research, vol. 23, pp. 426-443, 2011.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] Mathewos Agize, and Lieke Van Der Zouwen, “Spice and Medicinal Plants Production and Value Chain Analysis from South-West Ethiopia,” Journal of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine, vol. 10, pp. 126-144, 2016.
[Google Scholar]
[35] Eziacka Mathew Mpelangwa et al., “Effect of Changes in Business Environments on Traded Medicinal Plants Products in Tanzania: An Explorative Study,” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 9, pp. 1-10, 2022.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[36] A. Gebremichael, “Role of Women in Value-chain Systems of Vegetables and Spices in Atsbi Wemberta Woreda, Eastern Zone of Tigray,” Thesis, Mekelle University, 2009.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[37] Laura Hobson Herlihy, “The Discourse of Romantic Love on the Miskito Coast,” Agenda, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 76-85, 2013.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[38] Debosree Banerjee, “Ethnicity and Gender Differences in Risk, Ambiguity Attitude, GlobalFood Discussion Papers,” Working Paper, pp. 1-25, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[39] S. Adetonah et al., “Gender Analysis in Grain Maize Value Chain in Northern and Central Benin,” International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 7, pp. 51-64, 2016.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[40] Nozomi Kawarazuka, Catherine Locke, and Janet Seeley, “Women Bargaining with Patriarchy in Coastal Kenya: Contradictions, Creative Agency and Food Provisioning,” Gender, Place & Culture, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 384-404, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[41] Meghna Chhabra, Lata Bajpai Singh, and Syed Asif Mehdi, “Women Entrepreneurs’ Success Factors of Northern Indian Community: A Person–environment Fit Theory Perspective,” Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 1293-1314, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[42] Rebecca Elmhirst, Feminist Political Ecology, 1st ed., The Routledge Handbook of Political Ecology, Routledge, pp. 1-1-12, 2015.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[43] Dianne Rocheleau, Barbara Thomas-Slayter, and Esther Wangari, Feminist Political Ecology: Global Issues and Local Experience, 1st ed., Routledge, pp. 1-352, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[44] Naila Kabeer, “Paid Work, Women's Empowerment and Gender Justice: Critical Pathways of Social Change,” Pathways of Empowerment Working Papers, pp. 1-21, 2008.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[45] Ulrik S. Kesmodel, “Cross‐Sectional Studies–What are They Good for?,” AOGS Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, vol. 97, no. 4, pp. 388-393, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[46] S. Syahrizal, and S. Meiyenti, “Kinship System of Minangkabau Matrilineal Fisherman Society in the City of Padang,” Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Gender, Culture and Society, ICGCS, pp. 30-31, 2021.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[47] E.L. Davids, N.V. Roman, and L. Leach, “The Effect of Family Structure on Decision Making, Parenting Styles and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviour of Adolescents in Rural South Africa,” African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance, vol. 21, no. 3.2, 2015.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[48] Angelius Chrisantho Marician Sile, I. Wayan Suwena, and Ni Luh Arjani, “Relasi Gender Dalam Sistem Kekerabatan Matrilineal,” Journal of Arts and Humanities, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 177-185, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[49] Elisabeth Fischer, and Matin Qaim, “Linking Smallholders to Markets: Determinants and Impacts of Farmer Collective Action in Kenya,” World Development, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 1255-1268, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[50] Gillian Doreen Barber, “'Giving Birth in Rural Malawi: Perceptions, Power and Decision-making in a Matrilineal Community,” Thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London, pp. 1-362, 2004.
[Google Scholar]
[51] Antonia Grohmann, Ute Filipiak, and Franziska Heyerhorst, “Intra-Household Decision Making and Long-Term welfare Effects: New Empirical Evidence,” Conference Paper, pp. 1-31, 2017.
[Google Scholar]
[52] Jovia Salifu, “Kinship and Gendered Economic Conduct in Matrilineal Offinso, Ghana,” Africa, vol. 90, no. 4, pp. 683-700, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[53] Bina Agarwal, “''Bargaining'' and Gender Relations: Within and Beyond the Household,” Feminist Economics, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1 51, 1997.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[54] Michael O'Sullivan, “Gender and Property Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Constraints and Effective Interventions,” World Bank Policy Research Working Paper, 2017.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[55] Talip Kilic, Paul Winters, and Calogero Carletto, “Gender and Agriculture in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Introduction to the Special Issue,” Agricultural Economics, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 281-284, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[56] Cheryl Doss, “Intrahousehold Bargaining and Resource Allocation in Developing Countries,” The World Bank Research Observer, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 52-78, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[57] Patti Kristjanson et al., “Livestock and Women’s Livelihoods,” Gender in Agriculture: Closing the Knowledge Gap, pp. 209-233, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[58] Prosper John Kimaro, Nathaniel Naiman Towo, and Benson H. Moshi, “Determinants of Rural Youth’s Participation in Agricultural Activities: The Case of Kahe East Ward in Moshi Rural District, Tanzania,” International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 1-47, 2015.
[Google Scholar]
[59] Solomon Asfaw et al., “Impact of Modern Agricultural Technologies on Smallholder Welfare: Evidence from Tanzania and Ethiopia,” Food Policy, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 283-295, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[60] Nkhubedu Magakwe, and Oluwasogo Olorunfemi, “A Systematic Review of the Trends, Effects, and Deterrents of Collective Marketing Participation among Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Sustainability, vol. 16, no. 21, pp. 1-13, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[61] Casiano Evans Ngalande, “An Exploration of Bargaining Power Strategies by Small Scale Farmers in Maize Marketing in Mapangazhya Farming Block, Chikankata District, Zambia,” Thesis, The University of Zambia, pp. 1-91, 2022.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[62] Rosario Michel-Villarreal, Eliseo Luis Vilalta-Perdomo, and Martin Hingley, “Exploring Producers' Motivations and Challenges within a Farmers' Market,” British Food Journal, vol. 122, no. 7, pp. 2089-2103, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]