Contribution of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Production to Women's Livelihoods and Household Welfare in The Gambia: Evidence from the Banjulinding Women's Horticultural Garden

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation is an important horticultural activity that sustains the livelihoods of urban and rural households in The Gambia, especially among women. This study examined the impact of onion farming on the income of women and their household welfare based on evidence from the Banjulinding Women's Horticultural Garden. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used with 20 randomly selected female onion producers. Structured interviews were used to gather primary data, which were analyzed using a descriptive approach with the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to assess socioeconomic characteristics, livelihood outcomes, and constraints to production. The findings showed that 70% of respondents farmed onions for both household consumption and to earn income, and 80% of farmers used hired labor, thus showing that onion production also generated local employment. The earnings from onion sales were mostly used for household food consumption (60%) and children’s education (40%), suggesting an improvement in household welfare. However, limited institutional support, lack of production inputs, pest and disease pressure, and water shortages were identified as factors that limited productivity and livelihood gains. The study recommends prioritizing investment in small-scale irrigation infrastructure and expanding access to production inputs, credit, and extension services as the most direct routes to improving women's livelihoods and household welfare through onion production.