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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 17, No. 4, 2017, pp. 12509-12533
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Bioline Code: nd17077
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 17, No. 4, 2017, pp. 12509-12533
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GENDER EQUALITY IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN FOGERA DISTRICT, ETHIOPIA: IMPLEMENTATION, ACCESS TO AND CONTROL OVER RESOURCES
Azanaw, A & Tassew, A
Abstract
Gender equality is seen both as a human rights (social justice) issue and as a precondition
for and indicator of sustainable, people-centered development. Ethiopia is a
signatory to various gender conventions and declarations. Much progress has been
achieved in terms of establishing institutional arrangements. However, practical
implementation of gender equality remains a challenge. Assessing the current status of
gender equality (implementation, access to and control of resources) of women in male-headed
households, female-headed households and male-headed households in rural
development and agricultural extension was the focus of this study. The district was
purposively selected based on crop and livestock farming systems of the zone. Sampled
kebeles (peasant associations) and respondents were selected using simple random
sampling techniques. A total of 140 respondents were selected for the interview. The
data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Study findings confirmed
that variations were observed between male household heads, female household heads
and women in male-headed households in terms of participation in different rural
development processes and access to and control of resources. Compared to past
experience, titles of land ownership for women in male-headed households and female-headed
households were improved. Women farmers have less access to extension
services as compared to men and low representation in local organizations. It was also
observed that real problems and needs for agricultural advice are not considered on a
gender basis when planning and preparing extension packages in the agricultural
services. Women farmers were not addressed in rural development and agricultural
extension program activities explicitly. Participation of women in male-headed
households and female-headed households in agricultural extension package program
was still very low (28.5% and 57.1%, respectively) when compared with male-headed
households (74.3%). Participation of women in male-headed households in rural
development and agricultural extension events like training, meeting, planning, field
days and demonstrations was also very low (<5%). Strengthening of women’s
organizational capacity and involvement of women in local institutions need emphasis
and support at all levels by the concerned body.
Keywords
Agriculture; access; extension; equality; household; organization; participation; control
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