Rules, Norms, and Resistance: The Limits of Gender Equality in Tanzania's Coffee Sector

Women are pivotal in the coffee industry but face systemic challenges that hinder their full participation in the value chain. Drawing on institutional work theory and the Women Empowerment Index in Agriculture (WEAI) framework, this study investigates how coffee value chain actors in Tanzania address these challenges and the extent to which their efforts contribute to women’s empowerment. Research was conducted in four key coffee-growing districts: Mbozi, Mbinga, Rombo, and Kyerwa using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. Findings reveal that while strategies for education and support for women exist, there is insufficient focus on reconstructing discriminatory rules related to property rights, membership in coffee organizations, and income control. Consequently, women remain marginalized in resources access and economic participation. The study concludes that current efforts are insufficient to dismantle institutional barriers that perpetuate gender inequalities. Collaborative actions from the government and coffee sector actors are essential to challenge these barriers, enhance women’s productivity, and improve household welfare, alongside the need for gender-responsive policies development and enforcement to address inequality in property rights and cooperative memberships.