Impact Evaluation of Gender-Responsive Financial Services Among Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania's Coastal Regions: Adoption and Outcomes

Gender-responsive financial services (GRFS) are designed to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers, particularly women who often face barriers in accessing traditional banking channels. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a quantitative survey with 500 respondents and qualitative interviews with 20 participants to gather comprehensive insights into the adoption rates and outcomes of GRFS. Findings suggest that women farmers in coastal Tanzania are more likely to adopt gender-responsive financial services compared to men (68% vs. 32%), indicating a significant gender gap favoring women's participation. The study concludes that while there is initial evidence of positive outcomes, further research and tailored interventions are needed to enhance the adoption rates and maximise benefits for all farmers. Recommendations include developing culturally sensitive GRFS products and improving access points in rural areas to ensure equitable financial inclusion among smallholder farmers.