Gender Sensitive Value Chain Mapping of Kashmir Merino in Anantnag District of Kashmir

The study mapped the gender-sensitive value chain of Kashmir Merino in Anantnag district of Kashmir using an ex post facto design with 120 respondents, including input suppliers, producers, intermediaries, processors-cum-retailers, and consumers. Harvard's gender analysis framework, combined with the Force Field analysis and SWOC with the Analytic Hierarchy Process, was applied along with non-parametric tests to evaluate gendered roles, access, ownership, control, decision-making, and influencing factors to develop the gender sensitive value chain map for Kashmir Merino. Results revealed significant gender disparities (χ² (2) = 8.47**), with women predominantly engaged in production (55%) and consumption (43.4%), but underrepresented in input supply (10%), processing (36.7%), and intermediary roles (30%). Men dominated resource-intensive, market-oriented, and decision-making activities, while women contributed extensively to feeding, breeding, and healthcare. Across the chain, women faced higher restraining forces, particularly in access to credit, markets, and ownership rights, despite being key drivers in production and consumption. Policy recommendations emphasize gender-inclusive training, breed upgradation centres, market regulation, and establishment of wool processing units to enhance sustainability, profitability, and equity in the KM value chain.