Women’s Role in Agricultural Production System in Ambo District, West Showa Zone Ethiopia

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy and sources of export earnings. Women face numerous obstacles to access productive inputs, assets and services; these obstacles not only heighten their vulnerability to food insecurity, but also considerably reduce their contribution to overall agricultural production. The objective of this study was to identify the roles of women in agricultural production system in Ambo District, West Showa Zone, Ethiopia. Identify appropriate responses to close the gender gap in the agricultural sector to achieve gender equality. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select districts, rural villages, and households in the selected area-based agriculture production potential. First stage from West Shewa Zone Ambo district was purposively selected. On the second stage, three kebeles were selected from each district. Finally, 140 Women’s Role in Agricultural Production System in Ambo District, farm households were selected from the study area. Descriptive statistics include mean, standard deviation, frequency and ratio, and percentage, tabular and graphical representation. The result showed that Women’s participation is variable depending on the types of decision to be made. The decision-making power is associated with the practice of the gender division of labor within the household. Women participation in income management, access and control over resources, and overall decision-making is relatively low. This shows the disadvantaged position of women in the household and at the community level in their status. From survey data results, husband and wife discuss together and make joint decisions on managing farm income. Thus, most of the decisions on farm income management are made by both men and women (71%) in the study areas. Majority farmers operate on small scale and often find it difficult to adjust to uncertainties, especially the risks from agricultural income earning. Therefore, promote women’s access to agricultural-extension services and training on farming adaptation techniques.