COMMERCIALIZATION OF FOOD CROPS IN BUSOGA, UGANDA, AND THE RENEGOTIATION OF GENDER

This article describes the transformation of the agricultural economy that took place as a result of the disintegration of the state provisi on of marketing in Uganda in the 1970s and 1980s. In this context, the article examines how the commercialization of food crops is construct ing new relations of gender within agricultural production. In the tra nsformation caused by the commercialization of food crops, men appeare d to have gained total control over food production, causing the gende r relations to move from complementary to a patriarchal system Closer examination, however reveals an increased significance of marital barg aining and a movement from established gender roles to more negotiable relationships. The evidence underscores the continued significance of differentiated socioeconomic status to women's bargaining potential i n gender relations.