Journal Article of sustainability
Achieving the sustainable development goals in developing countries will require the
realization of benefits from the global supply and value chains, such as coffee, for inclusive economic
development and poverty reduction. This study uses the data of 400 men and women randomly
sampled coffee farmers from a developing country, Tanzania, to evaluate coffee income distribution,
and how general coffee production and trade contribute to gender equity and livelihood improvement.
Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition and Gini coefficient models are used for data analysis. We find a
gender imbalance from the ownership and control of resources to the participation of men and
women in the coffee supply chain. However, investing in supporting the coffee supply chain has
an impact on livelihood improvement, due to coffee income inequality reducing effects. There is a
gender gap in the income earned from coffee production and trading, which is 44% of the women’s
structural disadvantages. Empowerment for equal access to land and credit, and offering trade
facilitation services will bridge the existing gender gap. Additionally, developing and disseminating
new coffee production technologies that will reduce discrimination, by offering new opportunities
and making coffee an inclusive supply chain, remains imperative.