DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL

ACTIVITIES IN DILLA ZURIA WOREDA, GEDEO ZONE, SNNPR,

ETHIOPIA

BY:

SHIBIRU MIJU SWACHU

MA THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVES
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
HAWASSA UNVERSITY

JUNE, 2020
DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL
ACTIVITIES IN DILLA ZURIA WOREDA, GEDEO ZONE, SNNPR,
ETHIOPIA

BY:

SHIBIRU MIJU SWACHU

MAJOR ADVISOR: R. KARUNAKARAN (Ph.D)

CO ADVISOR: ABSSINIAWET GEREMEW (M.A)

HAWASSA UNVERSITY

JUNE, 2020

ii
 ADVISORS’ APPROVAL SHEET
This to certify that the MA thesis entitled: DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S
PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN DILLA ZURIA WOREDA,
GEDEO ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA. This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of degree of Master of Arts in Community Development. Accordingly, we
examined and approve that it is conducted according to the regulation of the University and
meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality and will be carried out by
Shibru Miju, ID NO: GPCoDeR/0030/11under our supervision. Therefore, we recommend that
the student has fulfilled the requirements and hence here by can submit the final thesis to the
Department.

Major Advisor Signature Date

Dr. R. Karunakaran -------------------------- --------------------

Co Advisor Signature Date

Abyssiniawet Geremew -------------------------- -----------------

i
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this MA thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree
in any other university, and all sources of material used for this thesis have been duly
acknowledged.

Name:

Signature:

Place and Date of Submission:

This M.A. thesis entitled, “DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN

AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN DILLA ZURIA WOREDA, GEDEO ZONE,
SNNPR, ETHIOPIA” has been submitted for examination with our approval as Thesis advisors.

Name of the Advisor: R. KARUNAKARAN (Ph.D.)

Signature: ______________

Name of the Co- Advisor: ABYSSINIAWET GEREMEW

Signature: ______________

Place and Date of Submission: Hawassa University ___________

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I will praise, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Throughout this study, I would like to forward my heartfelt gratitude to my advisor Dr. R.
Karunakaran and co-advisor Abyssiniawet Geremew for their unreserved concern and kindness
he has shown while advising my thesis work at all stages.

Next, I am very much indebted to express my sincere and profound gratitude to my family for all
the times they have given things to me, it is time for me to start giving back to them. The best
start is to say thank you. And my wife Hayimanot Befikadu and children, Saron; whose love,
understanding, encouragement and unselfish sacrifices have allowed me to achieve my goal.

Then, dear my friend, success is the fruit of personal effort plus support and encouragement from
people like you. Thank you so much for helping me out --I really appreciate your kindness and
support.

Last, but not least, my simple words cannot express the deeds. Throughout this study, in all my
ups and downs, I had never been alone because of my beloved families, leaders, friends, and
colleagues who not mentioned their name in this paper, had been on my side with full devotion
in time of pleasure and frustration. With sincere gratitude I owe them a lot.

SHIBIRU MIJU SWACHU

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page
ADVISORS‟ APPROVAL SHEET ................................................................................................. i
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................ ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT................................................................................................................ iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... ix
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................... x
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... xi
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background of the study .................................................................................................. 1
1.2. Statement of the problem ................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Research Questions................................................................................................................ 5
1.4. Objective of the study: .......................................................................................................... 5
1.4.1. General objective: .......................................................................................................... 5

1.4.2. Specific objectives study........................................................................................... 6

1.5. Significance of the study .................................................................................................. 6

1.6. Scope of the study ............................................................................................................ 6
1.7. Limitation of the study ..................................................................................................... 7
1.8. Operational Definition...................................................................................................... 7
1.9. Organization of the thesis ................................................................................................. 8
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................ 9
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ...................................................................................... 9
2.1. Concept of Agriculture ..................................................................................................... 9
2.2. Agriculture in Ethiopia: An overview .............................................................................. 9
2.3. Women in Ethiopia ........................................................................................................ 11
2.4. Access of land for women .............................................................................................. 11
2.5. Women in Agriculture Activities ................................................................................... 12
2.6. Property Ownership, Income Generation and Purchasing Power .................................. 13
2.7 Empirical studies Women's role in agriculture and its development ............................. 14

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 2.8. Factors affecting women participation and Benefits from agricultural activities .............. 16
2.8.1. Demographic factors.................................................................................................... 16

2.8.2. Social and cultural factors ........................................................................................... 17

2.8.3. Economic factors ......................................................................................................... 18

2.8.4. Institutional factors ...................................................................................................... 18

2.9. Conceptual framework ....................................................................................................... 19

CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 21
RESEARCHMETHODOLOGY................................................................................................... 21
3.1. Description of the study area .......................................................................................... 21
3.1.1. Geographic location ................................................................................................ 21

3.1.1.1. Location ............................................................................................................... 21

3.1.1.2. Population............................................................................................................ 21

3.1.1.3. Climate ................................................................................................................ 21

3.1.1.4. Soil ...................................................................................................................... 21

3.1.2. Farming systems ..................................................................................................... 22

3.2. Research Design ................................................................................................................. 23

3.3. Research Approach ............................................................................................................. 23
3.3.1. Quantitative method .................................................................................................... 24

3.3.2. Qualitative method ...................................................................................................... 24

3.4. Sampling Techniques and Sample Size .............................................................................. 24

3.4.1. Sampling Techniques .................................................................................................. 24

3.4.2. Sample Size determination ..................................................................................... 25

3.5. Sources of Data Collection ............................................................................................. 26

3.5.1. Primary Data ........................................................................................................... 27

3.5.2. Secondary Data ....................................................................................................... 27

3.6. Data Gathering Tools ..................................................................................................... 27

3.6.1. Semi Structured Questionnaire ............................................................................... 27

3.6.2. Key informant interview ......................................................................................... 27

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 3.6.3. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) ............................................................................ 28

3.7. Data Collection Procedure ............................................................................................. 28

3.8. Pilot study....................................................................................................................... 29
3.8.1. Validity test ............................................................................................................. 29

3.8.2. Reliability Test ........................................................................................................ 29

3.9. Methods of data analysis ................................................................................................ 30

3.9.1. Statistical analysis ................................................................................................... 30

3.9.2. Techniques to explore relationships between variables .......................................... 30

3.9.3. Ordinal Logistic regression ..................................................................................... 30

3.10. Operational definition and Measurement of Variables .................................................. 31

3.10.1. Dependent variable .............................................................................................. 31

3.10.2. Independent variables .......................................................................................... 32

3.11. Ethical Considerations ...................................................................................................... 32

CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................................... 33
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSIONS .............. 33
4.1. Demographic characteristic of respondents ........................................................................ 33
4.2. Level of Women Participation in each Agricultural Activities ...................................... 40
4.2.1. Cash crop production activity ................................................................................. 40

4.2.2. Cereal crop production ............................................................................................ 42

4.2.3. Fruit production ...................................................................................................... 43

4.2.4. Vegetables production ............................................................................................ 44

4.3. Inferential analysis on women level of participation in agricultural activities .............. 46

4.4. Level of Women‟s Benefit from the agricultural activities through marketing ............. 48
4.4.1. Inferential analysis of women benefit from agricultural activities in marketing products
48
4.5. Level of Women‟s participation in agricultural activities through marketing ............... 50
4.5.1. Inferential analysis of women participation in agricultural activities in marketing
products ..................................................................................................................................... 50
4.6. To examine the factors influencing women‟s participation in agricultural activities in
Dilla zuriya woreda in Gedeo zone ........................................................................................... 52

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 4.6.1. Individual factors .................................................................................................... 52

4.6.2. Social factors ........................................................................................................... 54

4.6.3. Institutional factors ................................................................................................. 54

4.6.4. Economic factors .................................................................................................... 55

4.7. Factors Affecting Women‟s participation in Agricultural Activities (Ordinal Logistic

Regression) ................................................................................................................................ 55
4.8. Roles of external stakeholders in enhancing women‟s participation in agriculture
activities ..................................................................................................................................... 58
4.8.1. The role of government .................................................................................................. 58
4.9. Possible solutions ........................................................................................................... 59
CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................................... 61
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ..................................................... 61
5.1. Summary of major findings - ......................................................................................... 61
5.1.1. The extent of women‟s participation in agricultural activities in Dilla zuriya
woreda in Gedeo zone ........................................................................................................... 61

5.1.2. Factors influencing the women participation in agricultural activities in Dilla zuriya
woreda in Gedeo zone ........................................................................................................... 62

5.1.3. The roles of government in enhancing women participation in agriculture activities

in Dilla zuriya woreda ........................................................................................................... 63

5.2. Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 63
5.3. Recommendation ............................................................................................................ 64
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 66
APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE TO WOMEN ..................................................................... 71
APPENDIX TWO ......................................................................................................................... 81

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 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Population and Sample Size ………………………………………………………..…26
Table 2 Respondent Demographic characteristics‟ of continuous variable……………………..34
Table 3: land owning and registration ………………………………………………………...35
Table 4 acquiring land ………………………………………………………………………….36
Table 5 land holding size ………………………………………………………………………..36
Table: 6: types of agricultural activities ………………………………………………………..38
Table 7: Level women participation in cash crop ………………………………………………39
Table 8: level of women participation in Cereal production …………………………………..41
Table 9: Women participation in fruit production ……………………………………………...42
Table 10: women participation in vegetable production ……………………………………….43
Table 11: Level of women participation in Livestock activities …………………………….....44
Table 12: Women participation in poultry production ………………………………………….44
Table 13: Women participation in Beekeeping …………………………………………………45
Table 14: Inferential analysis on women level of participation in agricultural activities ……….46
Table 15: Inferential analysis of women benefit from agricultural activities through marketing
products ………………………………………………………………………………...48
Table 16: Individual factors …………………………………………………………………...49
Table 17: Family factors ……………………………………………………………………….50
Table 18: Social factors ………………………………………………………………………..50
Table 19: Institutional factors …………………………………………………………………51
Table 20: Institutional factors ………………………………………………………………...51
Table 21: Economic factors …………………………………………………………………...52
Table 22: Ordinal regression analysis …………………………………………………………53
Table 23: The role of government …………………………………………………………....54

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 1: Factors influencing the women‟s participation in agricultural activities ………………20

Figure 2 Map of the study area ………………………………………………………………22

Figure, 3 respondents educational status …………………………………………………….32

Figure 4: Respondents marital status …………………………………………………………33

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 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ADB…………………………Agricultural Development Bank
ADLI………………….. Agricultural Development Led Industrialization
BOARD……………………..Bureau of Agricultural and Rural development
CSA……………………… Central Statistical Authority
DA………………………….Development Agents
DZWADO………………….Dilla Zura Woreda Agricultural Development Offices
DZWFE……………………..Dilla Zura Woreda Finance and Economic
DZWWCYAO……… ……..Dilla Zura Woreda Women‟ children and Youth Affairs Office.
FOA……………………….. Food and Agricultural Organization
FDRE………………………..Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopian
FGD…………………………Focus Group Discusses
FHH…………………..…….Farming Households
GDP…………………..……Gross Domestic Product
ILO…………………………International Labor Organization
KII………………………… Key Informant Interview
MDGs………………………Millennium Development Goals
MEWA…………………… Ministry of Ethiopia Women Affairs
M.a.s.l ……………………..Meter Above Sea Level
MOARD…………………...Minister of Agriculture and Rural development
NGO……………………….Non-Governmental Organization
NPEW……………………...National Policy on Ethiopia Women
NAP-GE……………………National action plans for Gender Equality.
NABW……………………..National Association of Business Women
SSA………………………..Sub-Sahara Africa

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 ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this study was assessing women’s participation in agricultural activities in
Dilla Zuria woreda, Gedeo zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. To attain this objective descriptive survey
design was employed. 183 women were selected through simple random sampling technique and
filled a questionnaire that focused on varieties of agricultural activities, processes and factors
affecting their participation to agricultural activities. An interview was held with DAs, zonal
experts, woreda sector heads to triangulate the data. The collected was analyzed both in
qualitative and quantitative methods. According to the results of descriptive and inferential
analysis, women were highly participating in the process of agricultural activities except
marketing products. It was observed that there was low participation on selling agricultural
products on market. They let this stage to their males. It was found that none of the women
participated in selling the products in the market. As a result they have got low participation
from the agricultural inputs and outputs marketing activities. The results of ordinal regression
model show that factors such as - household size (HSIZE), source of income (SOINCO), distance
from market (DISTM) and landholding (LAHOLD) were the influencing factors of low level of
participation in selling agricultural products. Consequently, it was recommended that DA
experts need to closely work with women to enhance the productivity level of cereal products.
Women themselves need to think and shift their attitude to the way of marketing what they
produced and they need to discuss intensively and continuously with their husbands openly on
the issues mainly in financial issues. Woreda agriculture and development officials need to work
in line with market linkage including other concerned bodies to make women more participants
in selling agricultural products.

Key words: Participation, Women, Agriculture, Activity

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the study
Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies, especially sub-Saharan Africa. It
provides a relatively large portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in sub-Saharan
Africa and as well as the main source of foreign currency (Alliance for a Green Revolution in
Africa (AGRA), 2013). Agriculture is not only a means to economic growth but also the
major source of food and livelihood in the rural areas. Women, who engaged in the majority of
rural dwellers, play a significant role in this sector (Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO), 2011; Goebel, 2008; Singh &Vinay, 2013).

According to Ahmed and Hussain, (2004) rural women participation play a key role in
agricultural sector production by working with full passion in production of crops right from the
soil preparation till post-harvest and food security activities. As the study further indicated it was
estimated that women are responsible for 70 percent of actual farm work and constitute up to 60
percent of the farming population so that women‟s active involvement in agriculture is
considered essential for rapid economic development of any country.

In Africa, as a large variety of literatures acknowledge that one of the major reasons for the
underperformance of agriculture is that women do not have equal access to resources and
opportunities needed for increased agricultural production (FAO, 2011; Mehra& Rojas, 2008;
World Bank, 2009).Though laws has been enacted that recognize women as subjects of
development and backbone for the economy, countries are still facing a number of challenges
which hinder their effectiveness and the benefit of women in agricultural activities (Karl, 2009;
Kayarkanni, 2012; FAO, 2011). According to John Bennet (2004), the major factor that leads to
less benefits of women, in many cases, there is social bias that supports the men‟s role by
ignoring the females‟ role in a given society accordingly although women have a great role in
participation, the leading role and running the incomes is given to men in many of the societies.

Rural women particularly in the developing countries works hard by undertaking triple roles, that
is, productive role, reproductive role and community participation role in their day to day life.
They also live in an environment where less or no social services, lack of infrastructural facilities

1
and with no contact to information and technologies (Coontz, 2009). However, these all
participations and their roles to one‟s country development was not considered and given a right
benefit to them. They have less right on the use of common wealth they complete along with
their husband and responsibilities in decision making on key resources (Ibid).

In Ethiopia, population is estimated to be 109.2 million of which women make up half of the
total population (CSA, 2018), of which around 82% of the populations live in rural areas where
social services such as education, health, agriculture extension and saving are poor and rural
women participation in different economic activities such as agricultural work in the community
with low benefit (NOPE, 2018). Furthermore, some studies show that women in rural areas work
over 15 hours per a day but they obtain little economic benefit in return. This indicate that the
participation of women in agriculture and their benefit from it is mismatch that let them playing a
game to get nothing. Despite women‟s critical contribution to the family income through
productive activities, no recognition is given to them as an important contributor and their
contribution is not recorded. They are still remaining invisible workers (Choudhary and Singh
2003).

Women account more than half of the work force by participating in diverse activities,
either directly or indirectly. The gender division of labor varies from one society and culture to
another, and within every culture external circumstances influence the level of activity (Nigist,
2004). However, except in few most developed countries, women‟s efforts were not yet realized
by most society.

Ethiopia is the home where different nations, nationalities and ethnic groups live, who do and
follow their own culture, traditions, values and norms. Under these circumstances women has
follow the norms and values of the societies (NABW,2009). For example, some societies were
not let women to school. As a result, they also have less access to education than men do (NOPE:
2011). Given this actuality development polices, programs and projects fail to address the
situation of women (Messay,2012).
To enhance development and to take root, in our country, these days‟ government and non-
government organizations are trying to help women get recognition from society which they are

2
part of what is more amazing is that most women themselves do not realize that they are
prevented from owning what they merit recognition and appreciation (Mesay, 2012).
As other parts of Ethiopia, the current study area has same problems that give less attention to
women‟s roles and how they could be benefited from the daily activities. Consequently, this
study was designed to identify the level participation of women in agricultural activities in Dilla
zuria woreda, Gedeo zone.

1.2. Statement of the problem

Women are equal partners to men in all chains or aspects of agricultural production and
responsible for at least 70% of food staple production in Africa. They are also important in other
agricultural activities, including food processing, planting cash crop production and livestock
(World Bank, 2018).

According to Ahmed and Hussain (2004), it is estimated that women are responsible for large
portion of agricultural planning and development which are vital to human survival, but they
usually precede limited consideration of the importance of gender issues at the production level.
They have also been long major movers in agriculture. Nonetheless, their contributions seem to
be ignored, and consequently their role in development seems to be undermined.

As noted by Lynda (2011) “We live in a society in which there is extensive all level of gender
inequality.” The inequality in the provision of education reflects the deep rooted tradition and
values within the ideological, political, economic and socio-cultural structure of societies
(Kasente, cited in Takele, 2008). In terms of ownership of property, the women in this country
have no equal right as men. In addition, the dominance of men in various incomes generating
activities highly affects the economic empowerment of women. Moreover, the key role played
by women in agriculture in the past did not seem to be acknowledged in government statistics
and decision-making (CWS, 2008).

Moreover, researches revealed that women farmers have high participation in each agricultural
activity as equal as men. However, the benefit they get from the inputs is very low. For
example, Shimekit (2014) conducted a study on assessing the factors affecting rural women
contribution in Agricultural development in Sodo Dachi Woreda of Oromia National Regional
State with quantitative research method. He revealed that though women have significant

3
contribution in agricultural activities, they were less involved in final decision making
concerning major agricultural issues. He further identified the major factors affected women‟s
contribution in agricultural development were Poor access to Agricultural extension service and
illiteracy.

On the other hand, Tigist (2016) has made an investigation on the roles and benefits of women in
Coffee business. Her study found that lack of land ownership as played a dominant role with
multi-dimensional manifestations impeding the benefits of women in coffee business. She further
stated that men's perspective, women's perspective, and poor policy implementation were some
of the contributors to its limitation.

Tseganesh (2017) noticed that women are significantly influenced by total annual income
extension participation, lack of credit service, training and domestic work. The major constraints
identified are low participation of women in extension programs, poor extension methods, lack
of important information. Hence, what makes the current study different from the above local
and abroad studies was that it majorly focused on the nature and level of women participations
and the factors influence their benefit reaped from involving in agricultural activities. Moreover,
the researcher assessed the roles of external stakeholders in enhancing women roles in
agriculture activities by raising a number of variables. So far, no study has been conducted in the
study area on the participation of women in agriculture activities. Moreover, there is vital
necessity to understand women's participation, roles, stereotypes and obstacles that women
encountered in agricultural activities. As a matter of fact, women have unique skills and
capability that can benefit the agricultural activities in particular and nations in general.

On the other hand, though the participation of men and women is analyzed at the household and
organization level, it is clear that there is a strong link between the participation and control of
income. This paper specifically looks and fills the gaps at the constraints women face when they
do participate in agricultural activity and products‟ markets, through a combination of review
and original data analysis. Also the study examined the root causes of these constraints, whether
they arise as a result of discrimination in input and output markets for cash crops themselves, or
as a result of constraints in assets and other resources. On the other hand, as far as the
researcher‟s knowledge there were little research attention was given on why and how women

4
could be benefited from agricultural inputs; rather a number of researches have been conducted
on gender and empowering women to agricultural activities. Above all, as far as researchers
knowledge, full information about the overall potential of women and this sector in general and
existing bottlenecks/constraints across their participation did not been well studied and documented
for better understanding of the women participation and assess possible improvement strategies to
overcome the bottlenecks. These were the gaps the current researcher intended to fill and conduct
on the level of women participation and how they could be benefited from agricultural activities
through different variables. For this reason, since adequate exploration/explanation and
descriptive statistics to the participation women farmers in agricultural activities as a producer is
very essential, the researcher to identify the level of women‟s participation in agricultural
activities in Gedeo zone Dilla zuria woreda, SNNPR.

1.3 Research Questions

There were four research questions that were answered in this study, these are:
1 To what extent women participate in agricultural activities in Dilla Zuria woreda, Gedeo
Zone?
2 To what extent those women were benefited from the agricultural activities in the study
area?
3 What are the factors those influence women‟s participation in agricultural activities in the
study area?
4 What are the roles of external stakeholders in enhancing women participation in
agriculture activities in the study area?

1.4. Objective of the study:

1.4.1. General objective:

The general objective of this study was to assess the determinants of women‟s participation in
agricultural activities in Gedeo zone Dilla zura woreda.

5
 1.4.2. Specific objectives study
The specific objectives of the study were:

1 To analyze the extent of women‟s participation in agricultural activities in Dilla Zuria

Woreda, Gedeo Zone.
2 To analyze the extent in which women‟s were benefited from the agricultural activities in
the study area.
3 To examine the factors influencing women‟s participation in agricultural activities in the
study area.
4 To explore the roles of external stakeholders in enhancing women benefits in agriculture
activities in the study area.

1.5. Significance of the study

Women account more than half of the total community and their contribution in secure their
family food demand and income generation is great importance however they were less
benefited from their contribution. As a result, this research might have the following
significance: primarily, it might addresses and unveils women's problems that hinder them to
come to participate and helps to empower and give recognition that have been given less
consideration. Secondly, the study might also contribute to other researcher as a literature in the
areas of women's role in agricultural activities in the society at large. Finally, based on the
findings and recommendations of this research, it could be able to give the due emphasis to the
issue and take appropriate measures.

1.6. Scope of the study

The study was conducted at Dilla Zuria Woreda Gedeo zone Southern Nation Nationality
People‟s Region. There are 17 Kebeles in Dilla Zuria woreda Gedeo zone. For the purpose of the
study 4 Kebeles were selected. The kebeles were selected based on Geographical elevation and
farming system which considered as upper and lower elevation. The study was conducted in
two of the kebele from lower and two upper parts of the Woreda. From the lower parts of
the Woreda included Chichu and Sisota kebele and the upper parts of the Woreda included
Michile Grissa and Michile Holan kebele. Moreover, the classification was based on agro

6
climate, population density, farming system of the Woreda, location and homogeneity of the
living condition of population.
Thematically, the study was focused on level of women participation in agricultural activities in
general agricultural production (cash crop, crop and livestock). More specifically, it focused on
the role of women in resource holdings (land and livestock); agricultural activities and
participation in agricultural land preparation to marketing. Finally, it forwarded the roles of
different stakeholders on women‟s participation.

1.7. Limitation of the study

In while conducting any study, there might be some limitations which can influence the
successful completion of the study. Although there was shortage of finance and other constraints
bear limitation on the geographical coverage and extent of the study, all problems were
alleviated through communicating with different stakeholders in the woreda. At the time
conducting this study, there was a global pandemic disease (COVID-19) which suffers the
overall world and let governmental and NGO institutions to lockdown. However, the researcher
made further effort to collect data from the respondents, mainly, interview and questionnaire data
before the lockdown; fortunately, the questionnaire was also collected before the pandemic.
After all, the challenges were overcame

1.8. Operational Definition

Agriculture: Agriculture is the cultivation of plant, animals and other products used to enhance
and sustain human life (free encyclopedia). It is the science of farming, including
cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food,
and other products to sustain the life of the frames and to market, if any left.

Agricultural activities: is the process of farming cash crop, crop and livestock etc in each level
of production.

The level of participation This was measured by assessing the rate of women‟s involvement in
farm decision-making; in various farm activities such as planting and harvesting; and in
terms of time spent in agricultural activities per day in contrast to time spent in non-
agricultural activities.

7
Kebele: It is the lowest administrative unit of Ethiopia. It is part of a Woreda. It is mostly similar
to a localized and delimited group of people.

Woreda: It is the second lowest (next to kebele) level administrative unit of Ethiopia. It is
similar to district in India. It is composed of a number of kebeles.

1.9. Organization of the thesis

The thesis was organized in to five major chapters. Chapter one presented introduction which
includes background, statement of problem, significance of the study, objectives, research
questions, scope and limitation of the study and operational definition of the concepts used in the
study, chapter two dealt with review of both theoretical and empirical literatures on role of
women in agriculture, factors affecting women participation in agriculture activities and their
benefits as well. Chapter three discussed on the research methodology which included
description of the study area, research method, study of population, sources of data, sampling
procedure and techniques, tools and method of data collection and method of data analysis.
Chapter four discussed on data analysis and interpretation. Finally, chapter five comprised the
summary of major findings, conclusion and recommendations.

8
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1. Concept of Agriculture

Agriculture can be termed as science, art, business all-together. Science because it employs
scientific skill to develop new strains of crops trees, animals, fish, and birds and develops
innovative techniques to direct them under varying soil and environmental conditions. Art,
because it is the management whether It has the management of crops, animals, birds, fishes or
any other branch of agriculture that bring about desired results. Business because the whole
produce and inputs of agriculture are linked with marketing which brings in the question of
profit and loss. As such as agriculture is a very comprehensive applied science dealing with all
aspects of life (Subramaniam, C,1979).

2.2. Agriculture in Ethiopia: An overview

Ethiopia's economy is predominantly agrarian where Agriculture plays a key role in the social
and economic development. The sector employs more than 83% of the population, accounts for
46.3% of the Nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the source of over90% of the
export). Small holder agriculture is the dominant sub sector of agriculture accounting for 95% of
the total cultivated land and production revenues (MoFED,2007)

The nature of agriculture that has been practiced in Ethiopia is similar to those Sub Saharan
Countries. It is not modernized, rather traditional in the way people practice it. However,
governments of different regimes of the country were attempting to introduce different
mechanisms that were significant for agricultural development. Among these mechanisms,
agricultural extension system is one of the primary vehicles for diffusing technologies.

Agriculture in Ethiopia has been practiced for many centuries yet there had been no sources that
indicate the exact historical evolution of agricultural extension practices. The historical evolution
of agricultural extension practices were written by different authors in different ways. For
instance, FAO in 2008 reviewed the history of agricultural extension in Ethiopia covering the
period of 1900 to the present and can be classified in to four major approaches. They are I) early
modernization period1900-1910, II) age of missed opportunities-1910-1953, III) classical

9
transfer of technology approaches-1954-1974,IV) quasi-participatory extension approaches-1975
to the present. This classification is based on: a) the time of introduction of each system, b)
nature of the introduced extension system and c) the degree of community participation
(FAO,2008).Information as to the tasks accomplished in agricultural extension between the
1910and1930 is scarce. The first agricultural school was established in Amboin1931. It offered
agricultural education to its students and demonstrated the potential effects of improved varieties
and agricultural practices to the surrounding farmers (ibid).

As FAO stated the period 1954-1975 was characterized by development programs initiated to
transfer products of modern science and technology from the West to the rest of the world. It is
a development model that had been implemented by America through the Marshal Plan to
restore the economies of war ravaged countries in Western Europe. However, the economies,
institutional policy and cultural situations of African countries were much different from those of
Western Europe. Therefore, the blue print provided for African smallholder farmers could not be
copied and did not work (FAO, 2008). This was what happened in Ethiopia following the
introduction of the Transfer of Technology (ToT) models of extension. Policy situation such as
the land tenure system, the feudal bureaucracy and the remoteness of many rural communities
did not allow technologies such as fertilizers, improved crop varieties and exotic breeds to
reach the vast majority of Ethiopian farmers (ibid).

According to the explanation of FAO, in 1953 the Imperial Ethiopian College of Agriculture and
Mechanical Arts (IECAMA) was established. In 1963 following the revision of the Ethiopian
Constitution, ministries including Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) was established in well-
organized manner with the man date of providing Agricultural Extension Services(AESs) which
leads to conventional extension approach(1963-1968). A short-lived success story in agriculture
was also the turning point of Comprehensive Integrated Package Projects(CIPPs) to develop
peasant agriculture from 1968-1975. Under the umbrella of the CIPPs only Chilalo Agricultural
Development Unit (CADU) and Wolayita Agricultural Development Unit (WADU) were fully
implemented whereas the others were either partially implemented or not started at all.

In addition to this, in1971 the minimum-package program (MPP) at wophased program was
launched; and the first phaseMPP-1servedupto1974. The extension approaches introduced after

10
MPP-1have been categorized a squasi-participatory extension approach because they all had
some participatory element at least in theory before being implemented. This quasi- participatory
extension approach was characterized by different progress. The fundamental progress were the
land reform and cooperative (human resource dimension) approach from1975-1980, minimum-
package program phase II from 1980-1985, the national program for food self-sufficiency later
modified as Training and Visit (T&V) extension approach from 1986-1989,the Peasant
Agricultural Development Extension Projects(PADEPs) from1989-1995 and the National
Extension Intervention Program(NEIP) following the Extension Management and Training
Plot(EMTP) approach of Sasakawa Global 2000. The progress phase, however, could not take
place as planned. Plan for Accelerated and Sustainable Developments to End Poverty (PASDEP)
is other recent agricultural Extension program implemented in Ethiopia (MoFED, 2007).

2.3. Women in Ethiopia

Ethiopia women have played a traditional role of motherhood and home maker in both rural and
urban areas. However, their work has never been limited to the household and the family.
Ethiopia women are actively involved in all aspects of there are social life. Women are both
producers and reproductive and they are active participant in the social and cultural activities of
the community. However, the important roles they play have not always been recognized.
Advancement, Economic development is unthinkable without women participation; however,
because their participation in the economy has not been valued Ethiopian women have not
received even their share of the nation wealth (The Ethiopian Herald,2004). Woman‟s
productivity is predominated in the processing and marketing of food in rearing, and food
processing and industries.

2.4. Access of land for women

Land is the most important resource to undertake agricultural production for income and
livelihood purpose. In the study area, land was belongs to the men. The women have not access
to land from their family. The reason was due to shortage of land, cultural influence and norm of
the society, women cannot access land form their family; they obtained husband land while
married. That means women obtained land of their husbands before that; nobody gives land to
women. Even if the families have one son and the rest daughters, all land was transferred to the
son. The probability of access to land for a woman is occurred, when all children of the family

11
are females. But, if women were ask legally they can obtained the land of their family. In the
society, women made such actions were undermined. Because of this, most of women in the
study area accept the norm of the society. In general, women in the study area access land while
married, divorced and widowed which was similar to study conducted by (Hussien,2014).
But, Sharia and FDRE Constitution did not accept the practices of the society. Respondents
revealed that Sharia said that give two hands of property is given to the sons and one hands of
property is given to the daughters. Ethiopia adopted laws and policies to ensure gender equality
since 1991. Taking the historical legacy of women‟s discrimination in the country and with a
view to remedying along lasting gender inequality, the FDRE Constitution separately provides
for women‟s rights under Articles 34 and 35. The Constitution further prescribes that “Women
have the right to acquire, administer, control, use and transfer property. In particular, they have
equal rights with men with respect to use, transfer, administration and control of land. They shall
also enjoy equal treatment in the in heritance of property”(Ibid,Art.35 (7)).

2.5. Women in Agriculture Activities

In most societies men‟s roles in agricultural activities is understood to be directed and clear.
However women‟s role in agriculture is not clearly recognized. Hence a clear picture of
women‟s of participation in agriculture is desirable (Messy,2012). Although these is increasing
that women are involved in the world agriculture until recently have been difficult to gain a clear
picture of where, and under what circumstance women particular in the farm
work(Annable,1986). Although the micro studies documenting the importance of women‟s roles
have a risen steadily national statistics have to undercount women‟s agricultural labor, due to
their definition of agricultural activities in their intervening producer.
Women play important roles to help their family in particular and their community in general in
sewing their food demand, in the world. But the most surprising thing is that the community has
not significantly understood the effort that they exert in the last several years. Woman are
involved in agricultural and rural development representing more than half of the labor required
to produce food consumed in developing countries(Etenesh,2005). One problem here is reaching
at common understanding as to how female farmers are perceived in society; observations
indicate that a female farmer is commonly perceived as a co-farmer as marginal players in

12
agricultural development particularly by those individuals with significant influence is research,
extension and development positions (Tsehai, 1991).
Women are often farming without benefit of the improved inputs and services and required for a
more productive and remunerative agriculture. The paradox is most obvious in the African
shifting where it is estimated the female do 60-80% of all agricultural work. Yet some female s
are rarely systematically targeted for training, extension, research technology or improved access
to resource and thereby to increase productivity in the agricultural sector will need be better
directed to the female population goals for growth are to be achieved (Over halt, 1991).The
following sections show the different activities of women.
The international labor organization ∕ILO∕ labor force estimate and 1950-2000 of Food and
Agricultural Organization‟s FAO (1970) agricultural censes‟ data for the 82 developing countries
shows, women‟s proportion in the agricultural labor force to be 42%forsub- Saharan Africa, the
regional average was 46% for north Africa for middle east31% and for micro data set is not a
complete description of women‟s agricultural work. Nevertheless, some description of women‟s
agricultural work can also be made as inference. In addition to the substantial number of women
documented national agricultural labor force data, many women and girls work as unpaid female
laborers. Many are primary involved in production of family food supply and domestic work,
many work intensively in the fields only during the peak labor seasons (Duggan,1991).Rural
women play multiple roles in agricultural systems. They may be brothers for those who have no
brothers, housekeepers, wage labor, agricultural processes, market women and as well as
agricultural producers( Beneria, 1991)
Most rural women make constant trade off in allocating labor time and productive resources
among their roles and obligation. Most farming systems display mixed pattern of women‟s
agricultural responsibilities in the production cycle where one sex is primarily responsible for
livestock, vegetables and tree crops and care for their dwellings.

2.6. Property Ownership, Income Generation and Purchasing Power

In the past, women were not owners of the means of production except when they inherited out
in to employment areas. In the last one and half decades, urban women have had got access of
employment which do not require formal education Women now fill jobs in the construction
industry and in factories as well as in sales and marketing services.

13
In contrast, most rural women have no independent budget, but depend on their husbands,
income even though they participate in different income generating activities. After the husband
gives them the monthly budget of the family, they exchange this little amount of money to fulfill
others family needs that could not be covered with what they are given by their husbands.
Mostly this portion is for the women to purchase household goods necessary to sustain the
family. A women may be allowed to use some cash for her own personal use if she considerers it
necessary, however, conditions are such that there is scarcely enough food to get the household
through the season until the coming harvest.
Therefore, women rarely spend on themselves or their children without the approval of the
pattern, and even then only for special occasions such as holy days (Pausewang,etal 1990).

2.7 Empirical studies Women's role in agriculture and its development

Rural women often manage complex households and pursue multiple livelihood strategies.
Their activities typically include producing agricultural crops, tending animals, processing and
preparing food, working for wages in agricultural or other rural enterprises, collecting fuel and
water, engaging in trade and marketing, caring for family members and maintaining their homes
(SOFATeamandCherylDoss,2011;Arshadetal.,2010).Rural women play key roles in agriculture
sector production by working with full passion in production of crops right from the soil
preparation till post-harvest activities (AhmedandHussain,2004).Coffee is grown mainly for the
market and men control the income. Women sell very small amounts ( a few kilograms) on a
regular basis to raise money for household needs. Particularly, rural women are more involved
in seed production activities besides their major responsibility of household care.

They have significant roles in some most farm operations of seed management, although their
economic return has been questioned (AhmedandHussain,2004) and their position in controlling
income is still not appreciated and considered. Therefore, awareness should be created for the
community to benefit rural women to promote their role in agricultural production. Moreover,
serious attention and integrated support should be given for rural women to improve their role in
the production

Women are key players in agriculture and allied fields .Rural women play key role by working
with full passion in production of crops right from the soil preparation till post- harvest
activities. Their activities typically include producing agricultural crops, tending animals,
14
processing and preparing food, working for wages in agricultural or other rural enterprises,
collecting fuel and water, caring for family members and maintaining their homes. It is
estimated that women are responsible for 70 percent of actual farm work and constitute up to 60
percent of the farming population (AhmedandHussain2004).

Women have historically used agriculture as one of the strategies to address poverty and
improve livelihoods, and also to maintain the stability and sustainability of their families.
Women, especially in Africa, have played a significant role in the sustainable development and
economic development of their communities and countries. Rural women have historically
played a crucial role in agriculture as food producers (Karki,K.2009). He accepts that rural
women alone are responsible for up to 50 percent of the world' food production and they also
contribute about 60 to 80 percent of the production in many developing countries. Women play
important roles to help their family in particular and their community in general in sewing their
food demand, in the world. But the most surprising thing is that the community has not
significantly understood the effort that they exert in the last several years. Woman are involved
in agricultural and rural development representing more than half of the labor required to
produce food consumed in developing countries(Etenesh,B2005),

Even though rural women contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of their
countries through agriculture they continue to face major socio-cultural challenges, which.
Differ from one community to another. Women's involvement is significant not only interims of
their labor input, but also interims of decision-making authority. The challenge here is reaching
at common understanding as to how female farmers are perceived in society; observations
indicate that a female farmer is commonly perceived as a co-farmer as marginal players in
agricultural development particularly by those individuals with significant influences research,
extension and development positions (Tsehai,1991)

Women are often farming without benefit of the improved inputs and services and required for a
more productive and remunerative agriculture. The paradox is most obvious in the African
shifting where it is estimated the female 60-80% of all agricultural work. Yet some females are
rarely systematically targeted for training, extension, research technology or improved access to

15
resource and thereby to increase productivity in the agricultural sector will need be better
directed to the female population goals for growth are to be achieved.

In addition to the substantial number of women documented national agricultural labor force
data, many women and girls work as unpaid female laborers. Many are primary involved in
production of family food supply and domestic work, many work intensively in the fields only
during the peak labor seasons, Duggan (1991).

2.8. Factors affecting women participation and Benefits from agricultural activities

2.8.1. Demographic factors

1. Age it is defined as the number of completed years of the respondents at the time data
collection. It is a knowledge but they may not be active and the younger the member the more
she is active but lack experience and maturity in fulfilling responsibility as member. Thus age is
hypothesized to have positive or negative influence on women participation.

2. Level of education: it is a continuous variable indicating the ability to read and write or the
highest grade achieved in a formal education by the members. Education is significantly
associated with both taking decisions alone and jointly. On individual bases, the more rural
women farmers are educated the more they tend to contact information and technology agents
and become the user and participant of new agricultural practices. Through formal education
rural women are able to know what is happening, what will be expected of them and how to
respond to this dynamic environment. The higher the level of education is higher the ability of
the member to integrate the theoretical ground with the practical world. Therefore it is
hypothesized as positive influence on women participation in agricultural activities.

3. Family size: (household size) family size refers that the number of people living together.
This variable is categorical in nature. The larger the household size is, the more likely a woman
to be participation in rural agriculture activities. Since family size is more related to household
efforts of rural women (Jemal, 2010).households with large family size (in the productive age
group) have been reported as one of the most important contributing variable for increased
agricultural production. This variable will be categorized as big, medium and small family size.
This variable is hypothesized as either positive or negative influence on participation of women
in agricultural activities.

16
4. Marital status: it refers that the status women being married, single or divorced. It is
responsibilities which would affect them to shoulder the responsibility participations of rural
women in agricultural activities. This variable is hypothesized as negative influence on women
participation.

2.8.2. Social and cultural factors

1. Cultural norms: It refers society‟s beliefs and perception towards women participation in
agricultural activities. Cultural perception that says a woman is lesser than man are embodied in
our culture which led the women especially the rural women to be confined to the domestic
sphere with little or no exposure to the public affairs. It is a dummy variable which takes the
value I if cultural norms forbid women to be participation in agricultural activities or 0
otherwise. This variable is hypothesized as negative influence on women participation in
agricultural activities
2. Family burden: it refers that the duties and responsibilities of women being shouldered in
relation to managing the home affairs. It is dummy variable which takes 1 if women have family
burden or 0 otherwise. Family burden hampers women to accessing and practicing women in
their multiple roles. They have to look after their family, especially any children, do housework,
balancing their work and family makes the burden very heavy, this variable is hypothesized as
negative influence on women participation in agricultural activities.
3. Family support: This refers to support and encouragement to be extended to women by men.
If women get moral support from men they will be highly motivated to contribute a lot of their
participation in agricultural activities. Therefore, this variables is hypothesized as positive
influence on women participation in agricultural activities
4. Participation community affairs: It is a categorical variable that refers to the rural women
participation in social activities or make a living and take part in community activities. It can be
measured by the number of institution in which the leader is participating. It can be measured by
the degree of participation very low, medium, high or very high if the rural women are
participating in one, two, three, four and five or more social institutions respectively. Thus it is
assumed that more the member participates in social activities the more the member is good in
participating in the community. Therefore it is hypothesized that social participation has a
positive influence on women participation in agricultural activities.

17
4. Contact with change agents: It is categorical variable referring to the frequency of women
participations in agricultural activities to make a contact with the agricultural development
agents such as promotion experts and NGO‟s it is assumed that the change agent can assist
farmer women in conducting group activities. Thus the frequent the farmer women have a
contact with those change agents the more the participation of the member and vice versa. Thus
this variable is hypothesized as positive or negative influence on women participation.

2.8.3. Economic factors

1. Household farm size: it refers to the state of holding or owning land by rural women and the
household farm size are directs the women participation in agricultural activities. It is assumed
that larger the farm size the farmer has , better seek to information and contact extension agent
and situated to be more women participation in agricultural activities. . It is a continuous
variable to be measured by hectare farm of the respondents. This variable is hypothesized as
positive or negative influence on participation of women in agriculture activities
2. Household income: it refers that the monthly income earned by rural women either through
exchange of lab our or services or from a profit from investment which is considered to be an
important determinant of women participation in agricultural activities. It is a continuous
variable to be measured by income range of the respondents. This variable is hypothesized as
positive or negative influence on participation of women in agriculture activities.
3. Income from non –farm activities: It refers to the given uncertainties surrounding crop,
livestock production and other farm activities and inadequacy of the returns to maintain the
household for the entire year. It is dummy variable which takes value 1 if income earning from
off farm activities and 0 other wise This variable is hypothesized as positive or negative
influence on participation of women in agricultural activities.
4. Ownership of property; it refers to the state of holding or owning land by rural women. It is
a dummy variable which takes value 1 if rural women have land or 0 otherwise. This variable is
hypothesized as positive or negative influence the women participation in agricultural activities

2.8.4. Institutional factors

1. Credit utilization: According to Diana and Lisa (2011) rural farmers who have access to
credit may overcome their financial constraints of women farmers. As cited by Zhera 2014 the
farmer without cash and no access to credit will find it very difficult to attain and adopt new

18
technologies, access to inputs, and poor markets as top constraints to increasing productivity ,a
noteworthy gap(Ragasa,2012). A household‟s access to credit has positive contribution to
agricultural production (Anaetoet al .,2012). Ethiopia‟s farmers have seasonal or irregular cash
flows, uncertain harvests and in the current land ownership construct, little to no physical
collateral.. It is a dummy variable which takes value 1 if rural women utilize credit in the study
period or 0 otherwise. This variable is hypothesized as positive or negative influence the women
participation in agricultural activities

2. Access to informational channels; Access to informational channels, for instance TV

viewing , radio listening ,printed materials and public meeting were considered as the important
factors to provide agricultural and relevant information and informed farmers may play an
important role in familiarizing women with basic information at their ease (Anila, 2009) At
present , radio is the popular means of communication. Therefore, the radio ownership is
assumed to increase the probability effort to disseminate agricultural technologies is mainly
successful if there is effective dissemination of information through mass media. If information
on technologies, programs, markets, etc. is more widely available and accessible; women will be
better able to make their own choice out of a range of possible options. It is a dummy variable
which takes value =1, if yes; =0 otherwise. This variable is hypothesized as positive or negative
influence the women participation in agricultural activities

3. Distance from the market; if the main market is far away from the households‟ residence,
they may lack information regarding the market price and quantity which makes the worse off.
Hence women is nearer to the main market towns are more likely to be participate agricultural
economics. The study conducted by Gebrat, (2013) reveals that the higher the demand for
products and services. It is believed that the higher the participation of rural women. It is
continuous variable which takes distance from market center in Kms. This variable is
hypothesized as negative influence the women participation in agricultural activities

2.9. Conceptual framework

Although several factors affects the role of women participation in agriculture, this research
based on the literature has identified four major factors namely; demographic factors, social and
cultural factors, economic factors and institutional factors are assumed to have significant effect

19
or influence on the level of women participation in agriculture. Psycho behavioral factors have
not been included for the analysis purpose.

Demographic Factors

 Age
 Education
 Family size(household size)
 Marital status

Social and Cultural

Institutional factors

 Utilization of credit  Cultural norm

Women’s
 Access to  Family burden
information channels participation
 Distance from market  Family support
 Participation community
S affairs
 Contacts with extension
agent
Economic factors

 Household farm size

 Household income
 Income from nonfarm
activities
 Ownership of property

Fig 1: Factors influencing the women‟s participation in agricultural activities

Source: compiled from literature review, 2020

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCHMETHODOLOGY
3.1. Description of the study area

3.1.1. Geographic location

3.1.1.1. Location
The study was conducted in Dilla Zuria woreda in Gedeo zone of SNNPR. The Gedeo zone
comprises 8 rural woreda and 2 urban towns. Dilla zuria woreda is one of the Gedeo zone
woreda. It is located at 365k.m far from Addis Ababa and 5 k.m far from the zone town Dilla.
Geographically it lies between 6.25-6.41latitude North and 38.28-38 longitude east. The woreda
is bordered by Sidama zone to North part. Abaya woreda of Oromiya region to western part,
Yirgachefe woreda Gedeo Zone Southern parts and Estern part Bulle woreda Gedeo zone.

3.1.1.2. Population
Total population of the woreda was according to the SNNPR BOFED Annual 2012 E.C statically
data shows that 113014. Among them 56729 are males and 56285 are females. There are 23462
households in the woreda. Rural dwellers are 99% and urban dwellers are 1%. Population density
of the woreda is 926 person square kilo meters.

3.1.1.3. Climate
The total area of the Woreda is 1220 hectare of land, among that 70% slop, 22% flat and8%
mountainous. The Elevation ranges of the Woreda from 1501-300 M.A.S.L, the mean annual
rainfalls of the area ranges from 1201-1600 mm and mean annual average temperature ranges
from 15,1-22.5 degree centigrade. The rain fall pattern is erratic and irregular in the area. Due
to the severe and heavy rains, soil erosion and flooding are very common in low-lying of some
study area. In times of extreme rainfall, mudslides damage roads, small bridges and other
infrastructure and localized flooding are common (ARDO, 2011).

3.1.1.4. Soil
The dominant soil type of the study area is fine to medium textured sandy loam underlie
with ancient Precambrian basement rocks in the plains and calcareous soil at the hills. Over-

21
clearing has led to significant soil erosion problems, with mudslides occurring on the area
(ARDO, 2011).

3.1.2. Farming systems

The farming system in Dilla zuria woreda is characterized by integrated mixed crop-livestock
production system, where the production and productivity of one could not be separated from the
other one. The agro-ecology in all kebeles is best suited for diverse agricultural production. The
woreda is among nationally known for best coffee and inset production. In all the study kebeles
coffee and inset dominates the agricultural production system while wheat is cultivated
insignificant parts of the cropping fields. Fruit is grown on residual moisture in selected areas.
The animal production (specially fatting) sub-system includes cattle, sheep, poultry.

Map of the study area

Figure 2 Map of the study area

Source: Dilla Zuria Woreda Finance and Economic Development Office, 2020

22
 3.2. Research Design
Descriptive survey research design was employed to carry out the study. According to Mendel,
(2011), the purpose of descriptive study is to describe the phenomenon as it exists, not finding
fact. This is because the researcher believed that this method helps to find or gather relevant data
in detail and to make detailed analysis Moreover, descriptive research design makes possible the
prediction of the future based on findings on the prevailing conditions. In line with this,
Cresswell (2006) stated that descriptive research gives a better and deeper understanding of a
phenomenon, which helps to adequate and accurate interpretation of the findings. Similarly,
Cohen (1994) describes that descriptive survey research design also helps to gather data at a
particular point in time with the intention of describing the nature of existing condition or
identifying standards against which existing conditions can be compared or determined the
relationship that exists between specific events. So this was why the current study was carried
out through it.

Survey studies asked large numbers of people questions about their relevant information
behaviors, attitudes, and opinions. Some surveys merely describe what people say they think and
do. Other survey studies attempt to find relationships between the characteristics of the
respondents and their reported behaviors and opinions. A survey was administered to selected
samples from the bigger and specific population which was identified by the researcher. The
principal advantage of survey studies is that they provide information on large groups of people,
with very little effort, and in a cost effective manner. Surveys allow researchers to assess a wider
variety of behaviors and other phenomena than can be studied in a typical naturalistic
observation study (Cresswell, 2006). Therefore, survey was conducted to obtain information
from sample by means of self-report questionnaire, which was participants‟ response to a series
of questions posed by the researcher.

3.3. Research Approach

This study employed mixed method approach, quantitative and qualitative, through collecting
and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data on the basis of a concurrent embodied
strategy of data collection and interpretation procedures. Such method, according to (Creswell,
2007) helps to minimize the risk of validity, reliability and subjective issues. By doing so, the
study gave emphasis to both quantitative and qualitative enquiry. Mixed approaches can

23
capitalize strength of each approach and offset their different weakness and provides a better
understanding of research problem than either approach alone. It could also provide more
comprehensive answer to research questions going beyond the limitation of a single approach
(creed et al., 2004). For this study, there are some rationales in implementing mixed methods
approach. First, using such method was advantageous to examine the same phenomenon from
multiple perspectives and also to allow new or deeper dimensions to emerge (Creswell, 2003).
Second, mixed method approach has benefits that could not be provide by either the quantitative
or qualitative approaches when used separately (Creswell, 2003).

3.3.1. Quantitative method

The quantitative research relies on field data that can be collected using structured questionnaire
that included questions on different issues in practice and the role of women in agriculture. As
information was collected on demographic and socio-economic situation of survey respondents
the questionnaires were coded by Kebele to distinguish the four Kebeles.

3.3.2. Qualitative method

The qualitative research was mainly focused on the role of women in agriculture in the study
area. Information will be attained through interviews and focus group discussions by using
interview and discussion guides. Secondary data was collected from Woreda Agriculture
office, Land administration office, Women‟s Affairs, Healthy office and Cooperative and
Marketing office and education office. The discussions were undertaken to collect information
from relevant bodies involved on actual implementation of the role of women in agricultural
practice by using open and close-ended questions. Focus group discussions were also conducted
with rural women in the study area. The focus group discussions were formed unstructured, thus
allowing participants to open up and discuss freely. Useful information was gathered as a
number of issues were raised from participants. Moreover, the focus group discussion offered an
opportunity to capture case stories and to direct observation

3.4. Sampling Techniques and Sample Size

3.4.1. Sampling Techniques

Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select sample. The concept of multistage sampling,
since it helps the researcher to overcome problems related to geographically dispersed population

24
where it is expensive and time consuming to construct sampling frame for large geographical
area( Saunders et al.,2009),

Stage one:-the selection Gedeo zone most population area among the SNNPR zone according to
SNNPR 2028 CSA and for geographic and economic advantage or convenience.

Stage two:- the study area Dilla Zuria Woreda was selected purposely because it is the first most
populous woreda of the Gedeo Zone. According to the Dilla Zuria woreda finance and
economic development (DZWFO, 2018) office, it was observed that women tend to exert
high level of participation in agricultural production but they obtain little economic
benefit in return.

Stage three:- Out of 17 kebeles, 4 kebeles were selected purposively due to the extent women
participation in agriculture production.

Stage four:- The total population of selected four kebeles is 3891. From the total population,
194 sample respondents were selected by simple random sampling technique based on
probability proportional to size (PPS). The sample size was determined by using Yamane
(1967) scientific formula, as cited by Taye 2014, by considering ±5% level of error and
95% confidence are accepted.

3.4.2. Sample Size determination

By using Yamane (1967) formula, the sample size was determined as follows. The total
population in each kebele is Chichu 1620, Michilesisota 1121, Michileholana 740 and
Michilegrisa 410 and total house hold of these four kebeles are 3891. The study used the
following formula to calculate sample size.

The following steps used to determine sample size derived from the above formula to collect
quantitative data using questionnaire;
Where:-
n =designates the sample size the research uses;

25
N= designates total number of households in six blocks;
e =designates maximum variability or margin or error 7 %(0.07) because for manage respondent
1=designates the probability of the event occurring
Therefore;

= 3891
1 + 3891(0.07)2
= 194
Sample size for each kebele is, Chichu= 81, Michillesisota = 56, Michilleholana=37, and
Michilegrissa=20. Respondents who attained more than 20 years of age were selected based on
simple random sampling technique. It shall cover all female respondents from selected
household and total of 194 female households were contacted for the study purpose.
Table 1: population and sample size

No Kebele Total No of Selected

households household female

1 Chichu 1620 81
2 M/sisota 1121 56
3 M/holana 740 37
4 M/grissa 410 20
Total 3891 194

Source: DillaZuriaWoreda Finance and Economic office,2020

3.5. Sources of Data Collection

The nature of data for study was accompanied through both qualitative and quantitative through
primary and secondary sources and they were used to collect a data. The collected data was
based on the dependent and independent variables which were considered to influence women to
be benefited from participation in agricultural activities.

26
 3.5.1. Primary Data
Primary data including qualitative and quantitative data were sourced from the sample women
respondents using structured questionnaires. Besides, Focus Group Discussion and Key
Informant Interview were conducted to collect qualitative data.

3.5.2. Secondary Data

In order to supplement the overall proceeding of the study, information was collected from
different sources. Further, the secondary data used to increase additional information which was
necessary to substantiate the study. It was collected from reports, journals, articles, books,
bulletins, statistical reports and government documents, published and unpublished documents
(thesis) and from web sites and records of DA‟s and agricultural and rural development officers
of the woreda.

3.6. Data Gathering Tools

3.6.1. Semi Structured Questionnaire

A semi structured questionnaires were administered to generate the required data for the study.
Quantitative data was collected from the study population by using semi structured
questionnaire. It was prepared to collect first-hand information from respondent. It was initially
designed and developed in English language. Then translated AHAMRIC and GEDE‟FFA (local
language) asked in DZW version for practical field work for the purpose of clarity and to
facilitate the data collecting process, and then were translated back to English during writing and
analysis. The questionnaire was prepared for 20 age and above women household. The
questionnaires contained three sections; the first section is about general information of the
study. The second section was regarding the respondents profile and the third was main section
that included specific questions which were relevant for the study.

3.6.2. Key informant interview

The key informants interview (KII) were conducted with each department or office which
consisted of the head and relevant official of the department or office and women office zone and
woreda which is support by review of documents and policy. The interview was used based on
the assumption that theory of participants, perspectives are meaningful, and they have the
knowledge in the area, and able to make explicitly points, and that their perspective affect the

27
success of the research. The interview generally supposed to generate valuable data which was
enabling for development of questioner. It also used as sources of study of themes to identify
issues that are important for the development questionnaires, focusing on issues related to
existing practice on role of women in agriculture. Key informant interviews were held with key
informants comprised of six officials who were purposefully selected from different sectors of
study area and zone, such as influential individuals of woreda women and children affairs,
agricultural and rural development, livestock, cooperative, Micro-finance and Education
department and zone women and children. It contained semi-structured and unstructured
questions.

3.6.3. Focus Group Discussions (FGD)

The FDG was held to find out key information to the issue. The qualitative data was collected
using FGDs. It was held with five groups having eight members who were purposefully selected
from each kebeles: one group in woreda level including Development agent, kebele manager,
Chairman, women affairs, Omo MFi agents, community leaders, and woreda level different
sector experiment.

3.7. Data Collection Procedure

The data was collected through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires with female
respondents. Data collected through the questionnaire include: respondents‟ personal data,
familial information, work, qualification, participation of women in agriculture production,
household income; socio-economic characteristics; involvement in informal and formal
institutions; involvement in extension service related activities; constraints to women‟s
participation in agricultural activities. Six enumerators of which 3 female and 3 male
enumerators were recruited based on interest, availability and experience in survey data
collection in the area. They were provided with a half day intensive training on the concepts and
terms used in the questionnaires for data collection, the purpose of each question and steps to be
followed in completing the questionnaire, content and structure and approaches used in
interviews. The ways to ensure data quality include pre-testing of questionnaire, conducting
careful sampling, including cross-checking questions in the various sections of the questionnaire,
taking notes, and audio recording where possible during the interview, and using the same types
of questions during all the interview sessions.

28
 3.8. Pilot study
3.8.1. Validity test
To improve the validity of questionnaires a pilot study was conducted after which responses to
each item were analyzed to identify any misunderstandings and ambiguity. Items that were found
to be misunderstood or ambiguous were modified thereby improving face validity. All
amendments such as spelling errors, abbreviation and grammars were made clear based on the
feedback obtained from the advisors and experts. Based on the analysis of the pilot study, some
vague and confusing items were modified to make the questionnaire clear and understandable.
Leading questions were avoided and the wording of questions was made simple and
unambiguous. Moreover, translation was made with the help of language teachers. Expert
opinions, literature searches and pre-testing of questions were used to improve content validity.

3.8.2. Reliability Test

Reliability is an extent to which a questionnaire, a test observation or any measurement
procedure produces the same result on repeated trials. Or in other words, it is the stability or
consistency of scores over time or across raters. When a measurement is prone to random error,
it lacks reliability. To check the reliability of the items, 20 respondents form study area were
used for reliability test and their responses were entered in to Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and analysis of reliability test was done by employing coefficient
alpha. According to Korb, coefficient alpha (otherwise called Cronbach‟s alpha) is the preferable
statistics to calculate reliability. Accordingly,

No Objectives of items Cronbach‟s

Alpha value

1 Items related to extent of women‟s participation in agricultural activities 0.851

2 Items related to extent in which women‟s were benefited from the 0.774
agricultural activities
3 Items related to factors influencing women‟s participation in agricultural 0.829
activities
4 Items related to the roles of external stakeholders in enhancing women 0.896
benefits in agriculture activities

29
Which are above the moderate value as explained by Smith and Glass (1987). Charles
(1988:167) argues that a correlation lower than 0.7 cannot be used to make accurate predictions.
The questionnaire was hence considered reliable.

3.9. Methods of data analysis

The data collected thorough questionnaire was processed for data analysis with the help of SPSS
software. Processed data were tabulated with frequency and percentage. Both descriptive and
inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis and interpretation.

3.9.1. Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis describes different ways researchers can define, explore, understand, prove
and predict the data sets collected from the sample population. With statistical analysis
researchers find it easier to understand the findings and can use them to predict future behaviors
of the same variables or related variables.

3.9.2. Techniques to explore relationships between variables

SPSS outlined some few techniques helpful for the analysis of the relationship between variables
under study. The study of these relationships will be based on the correlation technique.
Correlation techniques are useful on non-experimental research designs because variables exist
naturally.
The techniques are therefore used to investigate the relationship among variables, score
predictions between related variables, to predict the scores between dependent and independent
variables and to finally identify the structure of the groups of related variables. The following
techniques will be used in the study to define relationships between variables

3.9.3. Ordinal Logistic regression

Ordinal logistic regression (often just called 'ordinal regression') is used to predict an ordinal
dependent variable given one or more independent variables. As with other types of regression,
ordinal regression can also use interactions between independent variables to predict the
dependent variable. This type of technique studies the correlation between two or more variables
that are categorical in nature. This technique allows for the independent variables to be either
continuous or categorical or both but the dependent variable should remain categorical at all

30
times for an effective analysis. Unlike the correlation where a suggested association or
relationship is measured; logistic regression confirms a causal effect between a dependent
variable and independent variables.
Yi = β0+ β1X1 + β2X2 + β3X3+ β4X4+ β5X5+ β6X6+ β7X7+ β8X8+ β9X9+β10X10…………. β16X16

Where Y1 = 3; the probability is high level participation of women

Where Y2 = 2; the probability is medium level of participation of women

Where Y3; = 1 the probability is low level of participation of women

Y = Dependent variable
X1 age
X2 level of education
X3 marital status
X4 Family size
X5 cultural norms
X6 Participation community affairs
X7 Contact with change agents
X8 level of income
X9 Income from non –farm activities
X10 farm size
X11 Ownership of property
X12 Credit utilization
X13 Distance from the market
X14 Family support

3.10. Operational definition and Measurement of Variables

3.10.1. Dependent variable

Participation: In this study the dependent variable is level of participation of women in
agricultural activities. The level of participation is categorical variable (ordinal nature)
which will be categorized in to High, Medium and Low level of participation.

31
 3.10.2. Independent variables
HSIZE – house hold size
SEX – sex of respondent
AGE- age of respondent
MARST – marital status
EDU – educational level
SOINCO – source of income
OLAND – own land of respondent
ACQLAND – acquiring land
CREFFEC – land registration and certification
DISTM – distance from market
LAHOLD – land holding
DILAND – distance from land

3.11. Ethical Considerations

The researcher conducted the study based on professional as well as the basic principles of
research. The researcher identified or presented the respondents personal details and response
with their consent and agreement. Ethical issues were grouped into informed consent procedures,
dishonesty, confidentiality towards participants or sponsors and protecting the anonymity and
privacy of research participants (Sarantakos, 2005). Based on the basic principles, the researcher
proposed a set of ethical and moral procedure and informed the participants just before in depth
interview and filling out the questionnaire. The participants were informed that information
obtained from them remains confidential. Besides the respondents were further informed that
their names would not be written or exposed on report and ever be used in connection with any
of the information they revealed.

The researcher conveyed the purpose of the study to the proposed respondents as per standard
research requirements. The researcher tried to avoid deceptive practices, and respect indigenous
cultures as well as discloses sensitive information. The researcher never practiced any kind of
practices that affect professional research undertakings. In sum, the researcher tried to be
honest, genuine and free from unnecessary bias as long as problem solving and relevant
research concerned.

32
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND

DISCUSSIONS
The results and discussions part of the study clearly shows the overall findings of the study in
different sections. The section briefly describes the result of each session throughout the chapter.
Ordinal logistic regression models were used to predict an ordinal dependent variable given one
independent variables.

4.1. Demographic characteristic of respondents

According to the Table 1 below, 194 questionnaires were distributed to female households and
90.6% of the questionnaires were in competed form. The rest (11) 9.4 % of the responses were
recorded as missing variable since some of the questionnaires were altered, incomplete
information and having unnecessary information.

Hence, it can be concluded that this was why most of the women were categorized under literate.

Educational level
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid Illiterate 30 14.9 15.5 15.5
Literate 3 1.5 1.5 17.0
1-4 121 59.9 62.4 79.4
5-8 5 2.5 2.6 82.0
9-12 11 9.4 9.8 91.8
Certificate 9 4.5 4.6 96.4
Dipiloma 7 3.5 3.6 100.0
Total 194 90.6 100.0
Missin System 8 4.0
g
Total 202 100.0
Respondents educational status
Source: Own Computations, 2020

Regarding on their educational status of the respondent, it showed that 14.9 % are illiterates
whereas most of the respondents were literates which categorized in 1.5%, 1-4 class, 59.9%, 5-8
class, 2.5%, 9-12 class 9.4%, certificate 4.5% and diploma 3.5% and 71.5% educated
households. From this one can understand that majority of the respondents female were
educated. So it can be believed that the data gathered would be more reliable and appropriate

33
since they can analyze and relate their Reponses and attitudes using their academic background.
Moreover, it can tell us most of respondent have ability to read and write and get a chance to
attending formal school. These give them opportunity to women‟s participation and adapt
technology on agriculture activity in the study area. In the FGD session the woreda education
office head said:

“Educational infrastructure development was highly prioritized by the government

of Ethiopia. The number of primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary
education facilities increased due to greater demand for education as primary
school introduced mainly later 1983 E.C. in rural schools. As a result, some of the
*women can have an opportunity to lean extension program in face to face in
schools and in distance programs.”

Unmarried , 4, 2% Missing , 11, 6%

Married , 179, 92%

Pie chart 1: Respondents marital status

Source: own computations, 2020

According to the pie chart below, 88.6% of the respondents were married and the remaining
4.5% of the respondent women were not married.

34
Source of income

Figure: 5 Respondents source of income

Source: own computations, 2020

The survey study also shows the community collects 15.8% income from crop production, 56.9%
from cash crop, 19.8% from trade sector and 3.5% from livestock production. The results pointed
out that, household produce mainly for cash crop product and for income generating less for
consumption. Supporting this, one of the interviewed women replied that most of their farm
activities were focused on cash crops that were used consumption. Furthermore, Fafchamps
(2000) said that cash crop production differs from general agricultural production in that it
entails engaging in output markets to make sales. This requires reliable access to these markets,
and has implications on the scale and quality of production. Moreover, the DA experts also said
that farmers prefer producing crop production to get fast and to liquid it to cash.
Table 2 Respondent Demographic characteristics’ of continuous variable
Variable Minimum Maximum Mean S.D

Age 20 50 28.6 6.9

Family size 2 8 5.06 1.62

N= 194, missing, 11

Source: Own computations, 2020

35
Average ages of sampled respondents were 36-45 years 83.5%; this shows that oldest household
heads manage the family. This reveals that the majority of the participants in this study were middle
aged who could actively and productively participate in economic activities. However, only 12%
were below the age of 35 and indicates early married women engaged in agricultural activities. The
average family size of the respondents of study area was found 5.06. The minimum family
member of respondent is 2 persons and the maximum were 8 people. The family size is higher
than the regional average of 4.9 (CSA, 2007). The reason for this seems to be that the community
recognizes large number of extended family members as an asset. As one of the DA workers in
the kebele said that traditionally one husband might have multiple wives, even more than three.
On the other hand when there large number family it can the burden to the women that may
hinder the participation in agricultural activity. So it can be concluded that the community
recognizes and supports have extended family in Dilla Zuria woreda, in Gedeo zone.

Land size and Area Allocation

Table 3: land owning and registration

No. Description F Percent Mean S.D

1. Own land 187 92.3
2 No own land 7 3.5 1.06 0.18

3. Registration land own name 19 9.4

4 Registration husband‟s name 8 4.0 2.16 0.64

5 Registration other 15 7.4

6 Registration both 152 79.2
Source: own computations, 2020

Winrock, (2001) writes that land is one of the key factors that determine the well-being of many
rural dwellers. Hence, the average own land participation of agricultural activity was 1.06 that
means 92.6% have their own land which shows that large number of peoples produce production
in their own land. From this one can simply understand that women might have a great
opportunity to participate in agricultural activities. According to survey result, the mean value of
2.16 land was registered and it means that 79.2% land registered by both, 9.4% registered by

36
own name, 7.4% registered by other and 4.0% by husband‟s name. The result shows that the
largest percent indicated as the land was registered by both names. However, in line with this, an
interviewed DA said that almost all land owners name was registered by both names but
women‟s knowledge and understand on the purpose of this registration was very low. They do
not have enough knowledge about it. On the other hand, women themselves claim that they the
purpose of registration was used as for marriage only. From this one can understand that there
lack of awareness to the purpose of land registration as well.

Land acquisitions
Table 4 acquiring land
No. Description F Percent Mean S.D
1 Acquiring inheritance 146 76.2
2. Acquiring purchase 8 4 1.49 1.184
3. Acquiring gift 20 9.9
4. Acquiring marriage 12 5.9
5 Acquiring by rent 8 4
Source: own computations, 2020
According to survey result large number of household acquiring land by inheritance that means
76% acquiring land by inheritance, 9.9% by gift , 5.9% by marriage ,4% by purchasing and 4%
acquiring by marriage. When asked how they acquired the land, almost all the large number of
holders had gained access to land through inheritance. Only 4% of the participants had access to land
in their own right which was purchasing. This is consistent with a variety of literature that states that
in most African countries women acquire land through their husbands (Tigist, 2016). Land is one
form of collateral needed to access credit but it is important to restate that the communal lands of
Ethiopia cannot be used as collateral as the owners only have usufruct rights. On the other hand
respondents in whole FGD revealed that acquisition can also be related with labor force to farm.
They said that female‐headed households may have less access to labor because they include
fewer men and may have fewer resources for hiring non‐family labor. Within male‐headed
households, women who manage agricultural activities may also have difficulty in mobilizing
labor due to social constraints and land acquisition.

As indicated in table 3 above, respondents stated that the land was registered in both names. So
the data can be triangulated with table 4 of land acquisition through inheritance. This shows that

37
although males acquire land through inheritance, while marriage it could be registered by both
names.

Land holding
Table 5 land holding size
No. Description F Percent Mean S.D
1. Land holding less than 1 hectare 173 91.6
2. Land holding 1-2 hectare 8 4.5 1.05 0.211
3. Land holding 2-5 hectare 4 2
4. Land holding >5 hectare 4 2
Source: own computations, 2020

The average land holding size of the respondents which showed in mean value was 1.05 ha
which is lower than the national average holding size of household 1.22 he respectively (CSA,
2007). This shows that high densely populated farmers were forced to produce cash crop
productions in limited area. According to survey result, averagely area of cash crop increases but
decrease livestock production. Because of household production behavior is the main effect on
cash crop. One of the DA interviewee also claimed that some farmers are changing their
production from crop to livestock because of lack enough land. He further claim that the land
uses are both private (farming) and communal (grazing land) land holdings which can be
identified through land use patterns,

A primary factor of production land is often more constrained in female headed households and
also for women in households headed by men. A rich literature reports that regardless of how
access to land is gained, female‐headed households tend to have smaller landholdings than
households headed by men (Morrison et al., 2007; Doss, 2001). In addition, women's
landholdings may be less fertile and more distant from the homestead (Doss, 2001). However,
direct empirical evidence on the gender‐disaggregated effects of land on the probability of
producing cash crops has not been conducted. Still, I note that a number of studies have found
that households with smaller plots of land are less likely to engage in cash crop production and
this can be partly understood by the need for scale. As a result, it was found that limited land
ownership also has indirect effects on ability to produce cash crops. First, it inhibits the

38
production of cash crops given that land ownership provides collateral for securing access to
credit and credit is important in ensuring the use of purchased inputs for cash crop production.

Types of agricultural activity

Table: 6: types of agricultural activities

No. Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Cash crop 164 84.7 4.12 0.57
2 Cereals crops 14 7.4 1.91 0.28
3 Vegetable and fruit 142 73.3 1.24 0.42
4 Inset and root crop 158 81.2 1.15 0.36
5 Agriculture 144 74.3 1.23 0.42
6 Subsistence 110 56.9 1.41 0.49
7 Commercial 164 84.7 1.12 0.32
8 Intensive 167 86.1 1.10 0.30
9 Extensive 14 7.4 1.92 0.28
10 Sedentary 186 96 1.00 0.00

Source: own computations, 2020

According to survey result 84.7% produce cash crop for commercial purposes from which 73.3%
are vegetable, 81.2 % inset and root crop. 86.1% used intensive labor that means high inputs of
labor or capital usually small and 96% in sedentary that means permanently in one place
production system. The result showed that almost all the women farmers practiced mixed method
of farming activities. In the interview session they claimed that they had been using varieties of
agricultural activities in limited places of the garden. The following table shows that all women
have varieties of agricultural activities which were produced in different seasons.

39
 4.2. Level of Women Participation in each Agricultural Activities

4.2.1. Cash crop production activity

Concerning the level of women participation in each agricultural activity, the levels of agreement
ranged from very low to very high was graded in five Likert-scaling approaches. For the purpose of
analysis, the respondents mean rate values categories accordingly, the mean value of  4.2 as
Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as Low,  1.79 as Very low. The
descriptions of these levels were: Very high (full engagement in the activities), High (partial
engagement in the activity), Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement), Low (a little
engagement in the activity) and Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity. Data
resulting from the questionnaires are presented in Tables in the following sections and discussed.

Table 7: Level women participation in cash crop

NO. Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 participate on land cleaning for crop production 147 75.7 3.9 .59
2 participate on land preparation for crop production 145 74.8 3.94 .82
3 participate seed production for crop production 96 49.5 4.27 .67
4 participate pitting for crop production 100 51.6 4.48 .587
5 participate planting for crop production 123 63.4 4.38 .489
6 participate weeding for crop production 93 48 4.42 .572
7 participate Manu ring for crop production 132 68.8 4.69 .528
8 participate harvesting for crop production 130 66.8 4.80 .435
9 participate in Drying for crop production 119 61.4 4.64 .481
10 participate storing for crop production 110 56.9 4.59 .493
11 participate transporting for crop production 112 57.6 3.45 .585
12 participate marketing for crop production 34 17.5 1.10 .39
Grand mean and SD 48.66 6.6
Average mean and SD 4.055 .55
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: own computations, 2020

40
According to survey women were highly participating in cash crop activities which shown with
the average mean and SD value of 4.055 and 0.55 respectively. This shows that farmers were
participating in cash crop activities intensively to struggle with poverty. Furthermore, Fafchamps
(2000) said that cash crop production differs from general agricultural production in that it
entails engaging in output markets to make sales. This requires reliable access to these markets,
and has implications on the scale and quality of production. To do so, according the above table
women participation level of activities in the process of agriculture was very high except
participating in marketing crops. As it indicated in mean value 3.9 were participated in land
cleaning activities for crop production, 3.94, 4.27, 4.48, 4.38, 4.42, 4.69, 4.80, 4.64, 4.59 and
3.45 participated in land preparation for crop production, seed production for crop production
participate pitting for crop production, planting for crop production, weeding for crop
production, Manu ring for crop production, harvesting for crop production, Drying for crop
production, storing for crop production and transporting for crop production respectively. These
indicate that women participated in process of the agricultural activity highly except that of
marketing.

On the other hand, however, as it was portrayed in the following table with the mean value of
1.10, women‟s engagement in in the process of marketing and participating in marketing was
very low. This shows that women are highly participate and show their roles in farming but
selling products on markets were highly dominated by men or their husbands. So this indicated
that women were benefited from their roles and efforts made. As indicated in the literature
review of this study, female involvement in cash crop production is important, not just because it
differs from the production of other crops, but because cash crop production holds significant
potential as a means by which rural households can improve their welfare. Farm incomes and
productivity in cash crops can be higher in the presence of well‐developed channels for
procuring inputs, accessing credit and marketing the crop. There are also important indirect
effects of cash cropping on productivity of other household activities such as food cropping. But
the largest portions of women in Dilla zuria woreda were lost all of these benefits since they
were not participated in marketing the crop production. In line with this, participant in the
interview said, most of the time even women may not be told how much the product sold because
males considered that they were the only accountants for financial area.”

41
I tried to triangulate this analysis with landholding size which indicated in table 5 above. Having
smaller plots thus disadvantages women. Additionally, women who do access cash crop markets
(17.5%) often cultivate smaller plots of land which has a bearing on the type of fixed marketing
costs it makes sense for them to incur. This may in turn have a knock‐on effect on the type of
marketing channel chosen when it comes time to marketing their crops.

4.2.2. Cereal crop production

Table 8: level of women participation in Cereal production

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 participate on land cleaning for cereals production 87 42.1 2.02 .251
2 participate on ploughing the land cereals production 110 56.9 1.82 .214
3 participate on Sowing the land for cereals production 74 38.1 2.09 .274
4 participate on Weeding the land for cereals production 91 47.5 1.56 .201
5 participate on Harvesting the land for cereals production 101 52.5 1.51 .204
6 participate on Threshing the land for cereals production 114 58.9 1.69 .238
7 participate on Storing the land for cereals production 87.3 45 1.65 .290
8 participate on Transport the land for cereals production 97 50 1.54 .212
9 participate on Marketing the land for cereals production 50.8 26.2 1.50 .201
Grand mean and SD 15.38 3.785
Average mean and SD 1.708 0.242
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: Own Computations, 2020

One of the crops which produced in Dilla zuria woreda is cereal. As indicated in this study with
the mean value and SD, 1.708 and 0.642 respectively, it has a share in the production of
agricultural activities. In this regard the survey show that in cereal production the women
relatively 56.9% on ploughing or in land preparation the land to cereals production and 58.9%
participate on Threshing the land for cereals production. But 38.1% participate on sowing the
land for cereals production and 42.1% participate on land cleaning for cereals production are
relatively low participation. However, the level of this agricultural input is low; still the benefit

42
of women from the production was very low as it shown with the mean value of 1.50 in
marketing cereals products.

4.2.3. Fruit production

Table 9: Women participation in fruit production

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 participate on land cleaning for fruit production 103 53 2.16 .352
2 participate on land preparation for fruit production 95 49 1.96 .330
3 participate on land Watering for fruit production 127 65.4 3.53 .549
4 participate on land Planting for fruit production 138 71.3 4.66 .626
5 participate on land Manu ring for fruit production 141 72.8 4.69 .641
6 participate on land Harvest for fruit production 107 55 3.06 .553
7 participate on transporting for fruit production 120 61.9 3.45 .526
8 participate on Marketing for fruit production 34 17.3 1.11 .294
Grand mean and SD 24.62 3.871
Average mean and SD 3.077 0.483
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: own computations, 2020

According to Mesay Adugna, 2017, the fruit production in Ethiopia has been small compared to
other crops but it has a great potential since the climate is favorable for many horticulture
products. However, there are ample garden mango trees in Dilla zuriya at farmer‟s holdings. The
livelihood of most of these farmers is highly supplemented by the sale of mango fruits and other
horticultural products. According to survey 72.8% on land Manuring for fruit production and
71.3% on land planting for fruit production are high participation and 49% land preparation for
production and 53% on land cleaning for fruit production relative participation of women in fruit
production. On the other hand, there was low participation on marketing fruit production as
indicated with the mean and SD value of 1.11 and 0.294 respectively. This indicated that women
participated in all the level and process of fruit production but they were not engaged in
marketing or selling the products to the market. So the researcher can conclude that they haven‟t
benefited from the products they produced.

43
 4.2.4. Vegetables production
Table 10: women participation in vegetable production
No Description F Percent Mean S.D
1 participate on land cleaning for Vegetables production 107 55.4 3.16 .530
2 participate on Land preparation for Vegetables production 122 62.9 4.53 .706
3 participate on Cultivation for Vegetables production 127 65.3 4.09 .559
4 participate on Manu ring for Vegetables production 131 67.3 4.66 .545
5 participate on Watering for Vegetables production 115 59.4 4.56 .601
6 participate on Weeding for Vegetables production 112 57.9 4.10 .624
7 participate on Harvesting for Vegetables production 112 57.9 4.48 .707
8 participate on Transporting for Vegetables production 134 69.3 4.64 .631
9 participate on Marketing for Vegetables production 29 14.9 1.11 .292
Grand mean and SD 35.33 5.195
Average mean and SD 3.925 0.577
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: own computations, 2020
Vegetables are one of the agriculture products those produced in Dilla zuriya woreda. According
to the interviewees and observation made the area was most dominantly covered with varieties of
vegetables in each of the farmers‟ garden: such as, local cabbage, onion, garlic, sweet potato and
etc. They mostly used it as income generation to strive their daily bread. The same to other
agricultural activities, women also highly participate in producing vegetables. The analysis made
in this study indicated that women have a strong participation in each level and process of
vegetable production; the mean value of 3.16 indicates that women participate on land cleaning
for vegetables production highly. According to survey participation of women in land for
cultivation for vegetables production 65.3%, this shows women‟s highly participated in
vegetable production but participating in marketing vegetables productions are very low
participation women in production. This indicated that women were not benefited from the
products they were produced.

44
 4.2.5. Livestock activities

Table 11: Level of women participation in Livestock activities

1 Description F Percent Mean S.D

2 Participate on clearing of animal sheds 120 61.9 4.61 .548
3 Participate on watering of animals 156 80.2 4.84 .572
4 Participate on milking and ghee of animals 152 78.2 4.81 .570
5 Participate on grazing of animals 160 82.7 4.86 .547
6 Participate on feeding of animals 185 95.5 4.99 .582
7 Participate on Marketing live stocks 133 68.3 2.69 .206
Grand mean and SD 28.8 5.435
Average mean and SD 4.86 0.572
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: Own computations, 2020

According to survey livestock productions are becoming highly dominant in women‟s

agricultural activities production, 95.5% feeding of animals and 82.7% grazing of animal‟s
production participation was observed. As shown in table 7 above because of shortage of land
farmers are changing their activity to livestock. However, in this activity also it was claimed that
the largest portion of participation was carried out by women as indicated with the mean and SD
value of 4.8 and 0.572 respectively.

4.2.6. Poultry production

Table 12: Women participation in poultry production
No Description F Percent Mean S.D
1 Participate on caring chickens 121 62.4 3.30 .512
2 Participate on collecting eggs 142 73.3 4.24 .426
3 Participate on feeding 133 68.3 4.71 .454
4 Participate on marketing chicks and eggs 158 81.2 4.85 .362
Grand mean and SD 17.1 1.754
Average mean and SD 4.275 0.4385
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: own computations, 2020

45
According to survey women‟s highly participating on collecting eggs 73.3% and marketing
chicks and eggs 81.2% on poultry production activity.

4.2.7. Beekeeping

Table 13: Women participation in Beekeeping

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Participate on preparing bee hives 27 13.9 3.03 .508
2 Participate on hanging bee 30 15.3 2.65 .243
3 Participate on smoking bee 50.8 26.2 2.62 .583
4 Participate on honey harvesting 42 21.6 1.91 .200
5 Participate on marketing hive products 21 10.8 1.11 .175
Grand mean and SD 11.32 3.109
Average mean and SD 2.264 0.6218
Where: Mean value of  4.2 as Very high 3.4-4.18 as High 2.50-3.39 as Medium, 2.00-2.4 as
Low,  1.79 as Very low
Source: Own computations, 2020

According to survey result participate on marketing hive products 48.5% and participate on
smoking bee 26.2% this means that women‟s less participating in beekeeping agricultural
activity. As it was indicated in the mean value of 3.03 and SD of 0.508 in the above table,
women had moderated participation in preparing beehives for the purpose of beekeeping. But
they have low level of participation in hanging bee, smoking bee, honey harvesting and
marketing hive products with the mean 2.65, 2.62, 1.91, 1.11 and SD value 0.243, 0.583, 0.200
and 0.175 respectively. From this one can understand that almost all women have low
participation in beekeeping in the Dilla Zuriya woreda except in preparing bee hives.

4.3. Inferential analysis on women level of participation in agricultural activities

Assessing the women‟s participation in agriculture activities in Dilla Zuriya woreda was the
main purpose of this study. To attain this, as indicated above, descriptive analysis was made to
show their level of participation in each process of agricultural activities and it was found that
their level of participation was very high except in marketing the products. Hereafter, a

46
comparison of the level of women participation in listed agricultural activities was made. The
inferential analysis was made to distinguish the level and it was indicated with the average mean
and SD value as shown in Table 15 below.

Table 14: Inferential analysis on women level of participation in agricultural activities

No Activities Average mean Average SD

1 Cash crop production activity 4.055 0.55
2 Cereal crop activity 1.708 0.242
3 Fruit production activity 3.077 0.483
4 Vegetables production activity 3.925 0.577
5 Livestock activities 4.86 0.572
6 Poultry production activity 4.275 0.4385
7 Beekeeping activity 2.264 0.6218
Source: Own computations, 2020

A table above had all of the agricultural activities in Dilla Zuriya woreda in Gedeo zone. These
are: cash crop production activity which indicated with the average mean and average SD value
of 4.055 and 0.55 respectively, cereal crop activity had average mead and SD value of 1.708 and
0.242 respectively, fruit production activity had average mean ad SD value of 3.077 and 0.577
respectively, vegetables production activity had average mean and SD value of 3.92 and 0.57
respectively, Livestock activity had a high value of mean and SD which 4.8 and 0572
respectively, poultry production activity had also a value of 4.27 and 0.43 of mean and SD
respectively and finally beekeeping activity had the value of 2.26 and 0.62 of mean and SD
value respectively. As a result, from the list of agricultural activities, based on the values of
average mean and SD value, cereal crop production and book keeping had low level of
participation which has 1.70 and 2.26 average mean value when they compared with the rest of
agricultural activities.

On the other hand, high level of participation was observed in cash crop agricultural activities,
inset production activity, livestock activity and poultry production activity with the average
mean value of 4.05, 4.68, 4.8 and 4.27 respectively. From this one can understand that these four
agricultural activities were the dominant and need exhaustive participation of women in Dilla
47
zuriya woreda in Gedeo zone. From these one can understand that livestock activity also takes a
lion‟s share in the participation of women it is because most women had shortage of land; they
were shifting their agricultural activities to livestock activity.

4.4. Level of Women’s Benefit from the agricultural activities through marketing
Women make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in Dilla Zuriya
woreda in Gedeo zone. They are of vital importance to rural economies as well. As indicated in
the above section on the level of participation, it was found that there was a high level of
participation in most of the agricultural activities in producing growing food crops, cereals,
vegetables, fruits and poultry productions. An interviewed DA expert said:

“Women are usually in charge of light farming or crop processing, while

males have more opportunities to work with livestock and stay out of their
household duty. ... Women are also responsible for children care, their
financial ability and educational level may post strong influences on
children's well-being” March, 2020

According to Lynda (2011), women are responsible for some 60% to 80% of food production in
developing countries. In many farming communities, women are the main custodians of
knowledge on crop varieties. Supporting this one of the interviewee said:

“Women play a predominant role in our community agriculture. They stand

out as pillars of economic growth, especially when it comes to agriculture
and agribusiness, which dominate rural economies but they were not
benefited as equal as their participation.” March, 2020

4.4.1. Inferential analysis of women benefit from agricultural activities in

marketing products
The benefits of women in the rural farmers were found very low in most of the agricultural
activities they already produced. The survey result shows that women have a high level of
participation in each procedure of agricultural activities as well as in the process of production;
however their participation in marketing was very low. The data indicated that they have almost
none participation in selling the products in the market.

48
Table 15: Inferential analysis of the extent of women benefit from agricultural activities
through marketing products

No Activities Average mean Average SD

1 Cash crop production activity 1.10 .39
2 Cereal crop 1.50 .201
3 Fruit production 1.11 .294
4 Vegetables production 1.11 .292
5 Livestock activities 2.69 .206
6 Poultry production 4.85 .362
7 Agricultural (beekeeping) 1.11 .275
Source: own computations, 2020

In a number of contexts agricultural activities in the community dictate that they traditionally
imply more male involvement in some of the decision making, production and sale processes.
The inferential analysis suggests that female participation in markets is often lower than male
participation. So from this, one can understand that women get low benefit than men. As
indicated below except a poultry production which 4.85 and 0.362 value of mean and SD
respectively, the rest all agricultural activities had low value of average mean and SD. This
shows women were striving in agricultural activity to get nothing at all. Supporting this, the
interviewee declared:

“Naturally, peoples’ interests differ from one another. Some men have
positive attitudes towards women’s role and benefit in other aspects of life.
In contrast, for some males, it seems very difficult to work with women
mainly in marketing and to sit with women in discussing money. Women
who talk and challenge people are not appreciated, for these reason they
accept women who are silent and playing their role to get nothing. This
shows how traditions shape people’s understanding and affect women’s
benefit from agricultural production.(March, 2020.)

49
Moreover, no one can be blamed for adequate participation of women in the participation of
agricultural activity but the same as the patriarchal culture that highly affects women; still they
are suffering from the benefit they can get in producing agricultural activities.

4.5. Level of Women’s participation in agricultural activities through marketing

Women make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in Dilla Zuriya
woreda in Gedeo zone. They are of vital importance to rural economies as well. As indicated in
the above section on the level of participation, it was found that there was a high level of
participation in most of the agricultural activities in producing growing food crops, cereals,
vegetables, fruits and poultry productions. An interviewed DA expert said:

“Women are usually in charge of light farming or crop processing, while

males have more opportunities to work with livestock and stay out of their
household duty. ... Women are also responsible for children care, their
financial ability and educational level may post strong influences on
children's well-being” March, 2020

According to Lynda (2011), women are responsible for some 60% to 80% of food production in
developing countries. In many farming communities, women are the main custodians of
knowledge on crop varieties. Supporting this one of the interviewee said:

“Women play a predominant role in our community agriculture. They stand

out as pillars of economic growth, especially when it comes to agriculture
and agribusiness, which dominate rural economies but they were not
benefited as equal as their participation.” March, 2020

4.5.1. Inferential analysis of women participation in agricultural activities in

marketing products
The benefits of women in the rural farmers were found very low in most of the agricultural
activities they already produced. The survey result shows that women have a high level of
participation in each procedure of agricultural activities as well as in the process of production;
however their participation in marketing was very low. The data indicated that they have almost
none participation in selling the products in the market.

50
Table 15: Inferential analysis of women participation in agricultural activities through
marketing products

No Activities Average mean Average SD

1 Cash crop production activity 1.10 .39
2 Cereal crop 1.50 .201
3 Fruit production 1.11 .294
4 Vegetables production 1.11 .292
5 Livestock activities 2.69 .206
6 Poultry production 4.85 .362
7 Agricultural (beekeeping) 1.11 .275
Source: own computations, 2020

In a number of contexts agricultural activities in the community dictate that they traditionally
imply more male involvement in some of the decision making, production and sale processes.
The inferential analysis suggests that female participation in markets is often lower than male
participation. So from this, one can understand that women get low benefit than men. As
indicated below except a poultry production which 4.85 and 0.362 value of mean and SD
respectively, the rest all agricultural activities had low value of average mean and SD. This
shows women were striving in agricultural activity to get nothing at all. Supporting this, the
interviewee declared:

“Naturally, peoples’ interests differ from one another. Some men have
positive attitudes towards women’s role and benefit in other aspects of life.
In contrast, for some males, it seems very difficult to work with women
mainly in marketing and to sit with women in discussing money. Women
who talk and challenge people are not appreciated, for these reason they
accept women who are silent and playing their role to get nothing. This
shows how traditions shape people’s understanding and affect women’s
benefit from agricultural production.(March, 2020.)

51
Moreover, no one can be blamed for adequate participation of women in the participation of
agricultural activity but the same as the patriarchal culture that highly affects women; still they
are suffering from the benefit they can get in producing agricultural activities.

4.6. To examine the factors influencing women’s participation in agricultural

activities in Dilla zuriya woreda in Gedeo zone
According to the specific objectives of the current study which made to assess the level of
women benefit in agricultural activity, investigating the factors those affect women benefit was
the third objective. Consequently, it was designed to identifying different factors. These were;
individual factors, family factors, social factors, institutional factors and economic factors. Their
level of influence was made with the mean and SD value accordingly. The level of agreement
and disagreement of the respondents for the purpose of analysis and the respondents mean rate
values categories accordingly, the mean value of  4.16 as strongly agree 3.50-4.10 as agree
2.50-3.49 as Undecided,2.00-2.40 as disagree,  1.89 as strongly disagree. Data resulting from
the questionnaires are presented in Tables in the following sections and discussed

4.6.1. Individual factors

As result of survey Low information 77.7% and increased work inside and outside 77.2% are
individual factors influence women‟s participation on agricultural activity.

Table 16: Individual factors

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Illiteracy 146 75.2 1.24 .473
2 Lack of self confidence 32 16.3 0.88 .450
3 Inferiority feeling and resignation 26 13.4 2.86 .347
4 Increased work inside and outside 150 77.2 1.38 .959
5 Home affairs 132 67.8 2.29 .457
6 Handicrafts and ranching 46 45.5 1.79 .950
7 Low information 151 77.7 3.19 .394
8 Applying scientific knowledge 140 72.3 1.25 .433

Mean value of  4.16 as strongly agree 3.50-4.10 as agree 2.50-3.49 as Undecided,2.00-2.40

as disagree,  1.89 as strongly disagree

52
Source: own computations, 2020

According to the survey result shown in the above table, illiteracy was found with the mean and
SD value of 1.24 and 0.473 respectively. Lack of confidence was 0.88 and 0.450 of mean and
SD. The inferiority feeling and resignation was also found to be the mean and SD value of 2.86
and 0.347 respectively. On the other hand, low information was found that a major factor
influencing women benefited from agricultural outputs through marketing the products with the
mean and SD value of 3.19 and 0.394 respectively.

Table 17: Family factors

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Disagree family attendance 126 64.9 1.74 1.224
2 Gender discriminations 140 72.3 1.25 .433
3 Economic poverty of family 127 65.3 1.32 .468
4 Lack of knowledge, behave them 112 57.9 1.41 .553
5 Negative attitude about their abilities 148 76.2 1.22 .449
Mean value of  4.16 as strongly agree 3.50-4.10 as agree 2.50-3.49 as Undecided,2.00-2.40
as disagree,  1.89 as strongly disagree
Source: own computations, 2020

According to the survey result the participation women in agricultural activities was very high.
However, it was found that the participation women in marketing agricultural products were very
low. Hence the survey result indicated that 76.2% negative attitude about their abilities to market
and 72.3% Gender discriminations are factors highly influence women‟s participation in
marketing agricultural activity. So it can be concluded that although the participation of women
was very high in various activities in the process of agricultural activities, they had low
participation in marketing and being benefited from it since it was dominated by males.

53
 4.6.2. Social factors
Table 18: Social factors

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Patriarchy and disagreeing 71.5 36.9 3.07 1.688
2 Low extent of rural women‟s 77.4 39.9 2.61 .488
3 Being far of accessibility 118 61.1 1.45 .660
4 Bad customs and traditions 116 59.6 1.47 .661
5 Low attendance of women 54 27.6 .033 .454
6 Family burden 158 81.3 .026 .357
7 Lack of Family support 163 84.2 .023 .324
8 Lack of Participation in community affairs 155 79.8 .027 .372
9 Lack of Contacts with extension agent 118 60.6 .069 .966
Mean value of  4.16 as strongly agree 3.50-4.10 as agree 2.50-3.49 as Undecided,2.00-2.40
as disagree,  1.89 as strongly disagree
Source; own computations, 2020

Related to social factor, the inferential analysis indicated in the above table that women were not
fully influenced in their participation to carry on the agricultural activities except in marketing
the processed products. According to survey result 84.2% lack of Family support, 81.3% family
burden and 79.8% lack of Participation in community affairs are social factors highly affect
women‟s participation in marketing agricultural products.

4.6.3. Institutional factors

Table 19: Institutional factors

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Lack of utilization of credit 122 62.9 1.35 .477
2 Lack of access to information channels 119 61.4 1.57 .813
3 Distance from market 106 54.4 1.43 .497
4 Lack cooperative unions around the home 120 61.9 1.36 .480
5 Lack of functional training centers 118 60.9 1.37 .483
6 Lack of government support 99 51 1.47 .500
7 Absence of DA‟s around the land 89 46 2.32 1.454
Mean value of  4.16 as strongly agree 3.50-4.10 as agree 2.50-3.49 as Undecided,2.00-2.40
as disagree,  1.89 as strongly disagree

54
Source: own computations, 2020
According to survey 62.9% lack of utilization of credit, 61.4% lack of access to information
channels, and 61.9% lack cooperative unions around the home are institutional factors affect
women‟s participation in agricultural activity.
4.6.4. Economic factors
Table 20: Economic factors

No Description F Percent Mean S.D

1 Household farm size 129 66.3 1.31 .463
2 Household income 127 65.3 1.32 .468
3 Income from nonfarm activities 128 65.8 1.84 1.479
4 Ownership of property 79 40.6 1.58 .495

Mean value of  4.16 as strongly agree 3.50-4.10 as agree 2.50-3.49 as Undecided,2.00-2.40

as disagree,  1.89 as strongly disagree
Source: own computations, 202

4.7. Factors Affecting Women’s participation in Agricultural Activities (Ordinal

Logistic Regression)
To analyze factors affecting women‟s participation on agricultural activity ordinal logistic
regression was employed. Fourteen explanatory (four continuous and eight discrete), variables
were hypothesized to influence the probability of benefit decisions and included in the tables
accordingly.

The ordinal logistic regression model has been estimated by the maximum likelihood method.
The overall model was significant at 0.002 significance level indicating 95% confidence level
that the explanatory variables included in the model assessed the women‟s benefit effects on
agricultural production as indicated based on the pseudo R² of 0.56, the model appears to have a
good fit to the data.

55
Table 21: Ordinal regression analysis
Parameter Estimates
Estimate Std. Error Wald Df Sig. 95% Confidence Interval
Lower Bo. Upper Bo.
Constant ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ----
HSIZE -55.679 6703.828 .000 1 .993
-13194.941 13083.582
SEX -3.178 1.684 3.561 1 .059 -6.479 .123
AGE - 3947.198 .000 1 .996
-7755.015 7717.718
18.648
MARST -19.142 5933.962 .000 1 .997 -11649.495 11611.210
EDU -.373 1.509 .061 1 .805 -3.332 2.585
SOINCO -.124 1.011 .015 1 .903 -2.105 1.858
OLAND .545 1.476 .136 1 .712 -2.348 3.439
ACQLAND .354 .585 .366 1 .545 -.793 1.501
CREFFEC .073 1.570 .002 1 .963 -3.005 3.150
DISTM -16.702 .652 656.793 1 .000 -17.979 -15.424
LAHOLD 1.210 1.367 .784 1 .376 -1.469 3.889
DILAND .928 1.064 .761 1 .383 -1.157 3.013
Source: own computation, 2020. Number observations =194; LR chi2 =56.93; Prob> chi2 =
0.0021; Pseudo = 0.56; ***, **, and * indicate the significance level of 1, 5 and 10%,
respectively.
Model Fitting Information
Model -2 Log Chi-Square df Sig.
Likelihood
Intercept 151.381
Only
Final 99.948 51.433 26 .002
Link function: Logit.

Goodness-of-Fit
Chi- df Sig.
Square
Pearson 97.758 116 .889
Devianc 88.622 116 .972
e
Link function: Logit.

Pseudo R-Square
Cox and Snell .233
Nagelkerke .403
McFadden .308
Link function: Logit.

56
House hold size

Household size has been negatively and significantly affected women‟s participation on
agriculture. That means when family size increases the participation of women‟s on agricultural
activity decreases or invers relationships on it.

Source of income

Source of income also positively and significant effect on women‟s participation on agriculture
activity as it show that women‟s highly participate on activity those agricultural activity
generating income. So, women‟s highly participating income generating agricultural activity but
they couldn‟t participate in selling products.

Distance from market

Distance from market has been negatively and significant affect women‟s participation in
agricultural activities. That means distance from market decreases women‟s participation on
marketing agricultural products to sell.

Land holding

Land hold size also positive and significant effect on participating in agricultural activities; as it
showed women‟s benefit from agricultural activity become low however the land was owned by
their husbands name and themselves. In line with this, the Head of the office of Agriculture and
Natural Resource of the Dilla zuriya woreda said about women‟s land ownership. He said, „It is
more than 85% of the population in Gedeo zone is farmers and the largest portion of them are
women among them. Regarding landownership most of the farm land was recorded by both men
and women. However, traditionally, the overall control of land was mainly maintained by male
than women.”(March,2020) Consequently, the benefit of the women is limited and by the
dominated land ownership of men. One can say that the largest income gained from the land can
be utilized without considering women since men engaged in selling products.

57
 4.8. Roles of external stakeholders in enhancing women’s participation in
agriculture activities

4.8.1. The role of government

Table 23: The role of government

No Item Percent Mean S.D

1 The government officials give updated information to women how to 36.1 2.83 1.780
market the products
2 There is training which prepared by woreda officials enhancing 34.7 2.28 1.880
women to be beneficiary from agricultural products
3 The government officials create a link (chain) between cooperatives 47.5 2.26 1.647
and women to sell and buy agricultural products
4 Development agent experts support in overall farming activities to 46.5 2.37 1.708
women
5 Local government provide financial support to women to produce and 36.1 2.27 1.504
sell more agricultural products
Source: own computations, 2020
According to the survey conducted in Dilla zuriya woreda in Gedeo zone, the role government in
enhancing women participation the agricultural activity was assessed. As a result, in item 1 in
table 23, the government officials give updated information to women on how to market the
products was valued with the mean and SD 2.83 and 1.780 respectively. The analysis indicated
that there was low practice was observed in updating information towards the government
officials in marketing products. In line with this one of the interviewed Kebele leader said:

We were working intensively in letting women to participate in agricultural

activities and we were successful. We were giving them some updated
information the ways how to they participate equally with their husbands as
well. So our next task will be aware them the ways how to market the
products. Of course we do have limitations in this regard. (March, 2020)

From this one can understand that the government officials were not working in updating
information on how to women can market their agricultural products.

In table 23, respondents were asked whether there is training which prepared by woreda officials
enhancing women participation in agricultural products and 34.7% (2.28 and 1.880 mean and SD
respectively) replied that they were disagreed to the issue. As a result the officials need to work

58
in enhancing women participation in agricultural products. On the other hand the respondents
further disagreed and strongly disagreed that the government officials create a link (chain)
between cooperatives and women to sell and buy agricultural products as indicated with the
mean and SD value of 2.26 and 1.64 respectively. According to Tigist, (2016), market chain is
one of the major factors to develop the income generation of households and making high
participation the household heads.

In table 23, respondents were required to respond on the support of DA experts in overall
farming activities to women including how to sell the products. Hence, they forwarded that DA
experts support in most of the process of agricultural activities but they did not talk about how to
women can sell the products because it was mostly left to men. Finally, in item 5, in table 23
below they disagreed that local government provide financial support to women to produce and
sell more agricultural products. It can be concluded that the role of government in making
women participation in agricultural activities was limited and need to be improved.

4.9. Possible solutions

In open ended, interview and FGD questions respondents were asked to provide possible
solutions and their responses were stated in themes below.

Expand women’s access to land and rural finance: Providing women with greater access to
land, finance, and production inputs is critical to closing the productivity gap between men and
women. Microfinance institutions and other financial service providers with presence in rural
areas can play a key role in supporting women farmers. The Bank also ensures that women
benefit from land titling projects.

Link women to agricultural value chains: When women are linked to agricultural value chains
from production all the way to processing and marketing, they help make traditional farming
more productive and commercially viable. Inclusive value chains also offer work opportunities
for women off the farm and they become better participant in marketing.

Improve rural women’s access to training and information: Knowledge of farming

techniques is critical to productivity; however women farmers have inadequate access to
agricultural extension and training services. It is also important that training and agricultural
technologies are accessible and adapted to rural women‟s needs and constraints.
59
Inculcate gender equality: men need to aware the equality of women in all activities and
process of agriculture including marketing the products as well. Like other activities, women
should equally participate in selling agricultural products in the market.

Establishment of community based institutions, cooperatives, such as saving and credit

associations are also a favorable opportunity since they can be used as platforms to enhance
extension service provision to women in the woreda.

60
 CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Under this chapter the summary of the major findings, conclusion and recommendation were
presented respectively.

5.1. Summary of major findings -

5.1.1. The extent of women’s participation in agricultural activities in Dilla zuriya woreda
in Gedeo zone
According to survey in producing cash crop activity women were highly participating in cash
crop activities which shown with the average mean and SD value of 4.055 and 0.55 respectively.
As it indicated in table 7with the mean value 3.9 were participated in land cleaning activities for
crop production and with high mean and SD in land preparation for crop production, seed
production for crop production participate pitting for crop production, planting for crop
production, weeding for crop production, manuring for crop production, harvesting for crop
production, drying for crop production, storing for crop production and transporting for crop
production respectively. These indicate that women participated in all process of the agriculture
activity strongly. But their level of participation in marketing the products was very low.

The survey show that in cereal production the women relatively 56.9% on ploughing or in land
preparation the land to cereals production and 58.9% participate on Threshing the land for
cereals production. But 38.1% participate on sowing the land for cereals production and 42.1%
participate on land cleaning for cereals production are relatively low participation. However, the
level of this agricultural input is low; still the benefit of women from the production was very
low as it shown with the mean value of 1.50 in marketing cereals products.

It was observed that there was low participation on marketing fruit production as indicated with
the mean and SD value of 1.11 and 0.294 respectively. This indicated that women participated in
all the level and process of fruit production but they were not engaged in marketing or selling the
products to the market.

The same to other agricultural activities, women also highly participate in producing
vegetables. The analysis made in this study indicated that women have a strong participation in

61
each level and process of vegetable production; the mean value of 3.16 indicates that women
participate on land cleaning for vegetables production highly.

As shown in table 12, because of shortage of land nowadays farmers are changing their activity
to livestock activity. However, in this activity also it was claimed that the largest portion of
participation was carried out by women as indicated with the mean and SD value of 4.8 and
0.572 respectively.

According to survey women‟s highly participating in poultry production on collecting eggs

73.3% and marketing chicks and eggs 81.2% on poultry production activity. O the other hand,
results indicated participation on marketing hive products 48.5% and participates on smoking
bee 26.2% this means that women‟s less participating in beekeeping agricultural activity.

Inferential analysis indicated that high level of participation was observed in cash crop
agricultural activities, livestock activity and poultry production activity with the high average
mean and SD value. Livestock activity takes a lion‟s share in the participation of women it is
because most women had shortage of land; they were shifting their agricultural activities to
livestock activity.

5.1.2. Factors influencing the women participation in agricultural activities in Dilla zuriya
woreda in Gedeo zone
According to the study, two methods were used to find out factors those affect the benefit of
women from agricultural activities which were descriptive and ordinal logistics regression. In the
first way of analysis five factors were found to be the as an influencing factor to their benefit
these were individual factors, family factors, social factors, institutional factors and economic
factors and their level of influence was found with the high mean and SD value whereas in the
second way of analysis four influencing factors were found these were household size (HSIZE),
source of income (SOINCO), distance from market (DISTM) and landholding (LAHOLD).

Household size has been negatively and significantly affected women‟s participation in
agriculture. That means when family size increases the benefits of women‟s on agricultural
activity decreases or invers relationships on it. Source of income also positively and significant
effect on women‟s participation on agriculture activity as it show that women‟s highly
participate on activity those agricultural activity generating income. So, women‟s highly

62
participating income generating agricultural activity but they couldn‟t participate in selling
products.

Distance from market has been negatively and significant affect women‟s participation from
agricultural activities. That means distance from market decrease women‟s participation on
marketing agricultural products to sell. Land hold size also positive and significant effect on
benefit from agricultural activities; as it showed women‟s participation in agricultural activity
become low since the land was owned by husbands of men.

5.1.3. The roles of government in enhancing women participation in agriculture activities

in Dilla zuriya woreda
The role government in enhancing women to make participatory in agricultural activity was
assessed. Hence the analysis indicated that there was low practice was observed in updating
information towards the government officials in marketing products. To this end in all the given
activities of the government in the questionnaire it was found that the government has weak
performance to make women participatory in their agricultural activities. Concerned government
officials were not providing updated information to women on how to sell and market the
products. On the other hand there were no any form of market linkage was made with related
marketing channels those who directly purchase products from women. DA experts also did not
show them the way how to sell products in the market rather than teaching them how to produce
the agricultural activities.

5.2. Conclusion
Based on the above findings, the following conclusions were driven.

Women were highly participating in cash crop activities in land preparation for crop production,
seed production for crop production participate pitting for crop production, planting for crop
production, weeding for crop production, manuring for crop production, harvesting for crop
production, drying for crop production, storing for crop production and transporting for crop
production respectively. However, it was found the benefit of women from the agricultural
activity was very low. Moreover, no one can be blamed for adequate participation of women in
the participation of agricultural activity but the same as the patriarchal culture that highly affects
women; still they are suffering in marketing they can get in producing agricultural activities from

63
their market share. Land hold size also positive and significant effect on participating in
agricultural activities; as it showed women‟s participation in marketing or selling agricultural
activity become low though land was registered by both because women did not have enough
awareness on the registration of land by both. Besides, there were no any form of market linkage
was made with related marketing channels those who directly purchase products from women.
DA experts also did not show them the way how to sell products in the market rather than
teaching them how to produce the agricultural activities.

5.3. Recommendation
Having the above major findings and conclusions, the following recommendations was
presented.

- As it was found women have lack of awareness on the purpose of registering land by both
names. So woreda, Kebele and DA officials need to create awareness it purpose and
advantage to be effective beneficiary from land to women.
- Regarding on the level of participation, since it was found that women were in a good
level, they need to keep it up in all agricultural activities. In each type of income
generating activities, women have high level of participation which is highly
recommended to enhance it more.
- Since the overall participation in cereal production was very limited concerning bodies
like DA experts need to closely work with women to enhance the productivity level of
cereal products.
- Women participation in marketing products was very low. So that women themselves
need to think and shift their attitude to the way of marketing what they produced. They
have to think as they are equal as men. To do this they need to discuss intensively and
continuously with their husbands openly on the issues mainly in financial issues.
- The Kebele administration should provide trainings to women farmers to improve their
participation in agricultural extension services.
- Woreda agriculture and development officials need to work in line with market linkage
including other concerned bodies to make women participant in selling the products.
- Cooperative unions should create an opportunity to only women the way that they can be
benefited by selling products to them.

64
- Woreda government official with kebele officials should have to work in collaboration to
improve rural women‟s access to training and information timely.
- Woreda Gender office should strive to inculcate gender equality: men need to aware the
equality of women in all activities and process of agriculture including marketing the
products as well.
- Women only together and including other community member should establish of
community based institutions, cooperatives, such as saving and credit associations are
also a favorable opportunity since they can be used as platforms to enhance extension
service provision in the kebele as well as in the woreda level.
- In general further investigation need to be carried out by the Zone or woreda as well as
other scholars mainly in correlating the roles, participation of women to show the exact
status of their participation in Dilla zutiya woreda, Gedeo zone.

65
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APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE TO WOMEN
HAWASS UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE
MA IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This questionnaire is designed for the purpose of a study entitled with THE WOMEN‟S
PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES IN DILLA ZURIA WOREDA. The
final paper that will be written based on the data you have provided is intended to serve for an
academic purpose and recommendation for improved household income and nutrition in the
area. Therefore, you are kindly requested to provide accurate information as much as possible. I
confirm you that all individual data will be treated confidentially and only aggregated and
average information will be published. I thank you very much in advance for your time and
valuable information you provide me!
Sincerely,
Shibiru Miju

General Instructions to Enumerators

 You don‟t need to write your name in anywhere
 Please fill up in the questionnaire only in one of the option and correctly
Part One: Demographics of the respondents
Identification Number (code) ------------------------
Name of enumerator-----------------------------
Date -------------------------------
1. Are you a head of the household A. Yes B. No
2. Sex A. Male B. Female
3. Age A. 18-25 B. 26-35 C. 36-45 D. 46-60
4. Family Size
A.1- 3 B. 4-7 C. 8 and above
5. Marital Status A Unmarried B. Married C. Divorced D. Widowed
6. Religion A. Christian B. Catholic protestant C. Muslim
7. Education level A. Illiterate B. Non formal education C. Formal education
8. Do you have your own land? A Yes B. No

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 9. If yes, how did you acquire the land?
A. Inheritance B. Purchase C. Rented D. Gift E. Marriage
10. Land registration and certification
A. In my own name C. In the name of the husband
B. In the name of the others D. In the name of both
11. Land holding
A. Less than 1 hectare
B. 1 – 2 hectare
C. 2- 5 hectare
D. Greater than 5 hectare
12. Distance from the land
A. Near home B. 1km away C. 2km away D. 3km away E. 4 above Km away
13. Distance from the market
A. Near home B. 1km away C. 2km away D. 3km away E. 4 above Km away
PART TWO
TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
No Types of agricultural activities Yes No
1 Arable: Crops
2 Pastoral: Animals
3 Mixed: Crops and animals
4 Cereals:
5 Subsistence: Grown just for the farmer and his family.
6 Commercial: Grown to sell.
7 Intensive: High inputs of labor or capital usually small
8 Extensive: Low inputs of labor or capital.
9 Sedentary: Permanently in in one place.
10 I have equal ownership but, do not have control over assets
11 I have equal ownership and control over these assets including income
from sales
14. I consider myself as subordinate to men in agricultural activities
A. Yes B. No
15. How do you rate your level of participation in overall agricultural activities?
A. High B. Low C. Medium

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PART II
THE LEVEL OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN EACH AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
The following items are prepared to state the level of female participation in agricultural
activities, hence provide a tick mark on the space that indicates in each statement.
Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity

i. Cash Crop production activity

No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on land cleaning for crop production
2 I participate on land preparation for crop production
3 I participate seed production for crop production
4 I participate pitting for crop production
5 I participate planting for crop production
6 I participate weeding for crop production
7 I participate manuring for crop production
8 I participate harvesting for crop production
9 I participate in Drying for crop production
10 I participate storing for crop production
11 I participate transporting for crop production
12 I participate marketing for crop production
13 I participate land clearing for crop production

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 ii. Cereal crop (Maize, Wheat, Teff ….)
Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity
No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on land cleaning for cereals production
2 I participate on Ploughing the land cereals production
3 I participate on Sowing the land for cereals production
4 I participate on Weeding the land for cereals production
5 I participate on Harvesting the land for cereals production
6 I participate on Threshing the land for cereals production
7 I participate on Storing the land for cereals production
8 I participate on Transport the land for cereals production
9 I participate on Marketing the land for cereals production
iii. Fruit production and tree production
Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity

No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on land cleaning for fruit production and tree production
2 I participate on land preparation for fruit production and tree
production
3 I participate on land Watering for fruit production and tree production
4 I participate on land Planting for fruit production and tree production
5 I participate on land Manuring for fruit production and tree production

74
6 I participate on land Harvest for fruit production and tree production
7 I participate on land Transporting for fruit production and tree
production
8 I participate on land Marketing for fruit production and tree
production

iv. Vegetables production

Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity

No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on land cleaning for Vegetables production
2 I participate on Land preparation for Vegetables production
3 I participate on Cultivation for Vegetables production
4 I participate on Manuring for Vegetables production
5 I participate on Watering for Vegetables production
6 I participate on Weeding for Vegetables production
7 I participate on Harvesting for Vegetables production
8 I participate on Transporting for Vegetables production
9 I participate on Marketing for Vegetables production

75
 v. Livestock activities
Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity
No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on clearing of animal sheds
2 I participate on watering of animals
3 I participate on milking of animals
4 I participate on preparing ghee
5 I participate on grazing of animals
6 I participate on feeding of animals
7 I participate on taking care of calves
8 I participate on Marketing live stocks
vi. Poultry production
Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity
No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on caring chickens
2 I participate on collecting eggs
3 I participate on feeding
4 I participate on marketing chicks
5 I participate on marketing eggs

76
 vii. Apicultural (beekeeping)
Where: 1-very high, 2 High, 3 neutral, 4 Low, 5 Very low
Description: Very high (full engagement in the activities)
High (partial engagement in the activity)
Neutral (Cannot decide level of engagement)
Low (a little engagement in the activity)
Very low (little (almost none) engagement in the activity
No Activities Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 I participate on caring chickens
2 I participate on preparing bee hives
3 I participate on hanging bee
4 I participate on smoking bee
5 I participate on hone harvesting
6 I participate on marketing hive products
7 I participate on preparing bee hives

List out if any other of your participation in agricultural activities _______________________

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

77
PART III
FACTORS INFLUENCE THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN AGRICULTURAL
ACTIVITIES
The following items are prepared to assess the factors affect the participation of women in
agricultural activities, hence provide a tick mark on the space that indicates in each statement.
Where: 1-strongly agree, 2 agree, 3 neutral, 4 disagree, 5 strongly disagree
i. Individual factors
No Factors Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 Literacy
2 Lack of self confidence
3 Literacy
4 Lack of self-confidence
5 Inferiority feeling and resignation
6 Increased work inside and outside
7 Home affairs
8 Handicrafts and ranching
9 Low information
10 Their applied scientific knowledge
ii. Family factors
No Factors Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 Disagree family attendance
2 Gender discriminations
3 Economic poverty of family
4 Lack of knowledge, behave them
5 Negative attitude about their abilities

78
 iii. Social factors
No Factors Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 Patriarchy and disagreeing
2 Low extent of rural women‟s
3 Being far of accessibility
4 Bad customs and traditions
5 Low attendance of women
6 Family burden
7 Lack of Family support
8 Lack of Participation in community affairs
9 Lack of Contacts with extension agent
iv. Institutional factors
No Factors Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 Lack of utilization of credit
2 Lack of access to information channels
3 Distance from market
4 Lack cooperative unions
5 Lack of training centers
6 Lack of government support
7 Absence of DA‟s around the land
v. Economic factors
No Factors Scales
1 2 3 4 5
1 Household farm size
2 Household income
3 Income from nonfarm activities
4 Ownership of property

79
 PART III
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
The following items are prepared to assess the factors affect the participation of women in
agricultural activities, hence provide a tick mark on the space that indicates in each statement.
Where: 1-strongly agree, 2 agree, 3 neutral, 4 disagree, 5 strongly disagree

NO STATEMENTS 1 2 3 4 5
1 The government officials give updated information to farmers
2 There is training which prepared by woreda officials on women participation
3 The government officials create awareness on the participation of women
4 The government supports when women encouraged to participate in
agricultural activities
5 The assigned woreda and kebele officials‟ gives an information in each
activities of agriculture to women
6 The government officials support in overall farming activities to women
7 Local government provide financial support to women

80
 APPENDIX TWO
FGD AND INTERVIEW GUIDING QUESTIONS
Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and interview are intended to produce valuable information for
the Master Thesis on identifying the participation of women in agricultural activities in Gedeo
zone Dilla zura woreda.
The searcher will introduce him and the purpose of FGD participants and will request their
consent to use tape recorder. And then, the questions that are expected to guide the discussion
will be presented.
Date__________________________________________
Time the interview started________________________
Time the interview Ended________________________
Duration_______________________________________
The main leading questions presented for the FGD.
1. What are the types of agricultural activities of women engaged?
2. Do you think that women are sufficiently participated in all types of agricultural activities? Why?
3. What are the factors those influence women participation in agricultural activities?
4. How those factors could be overcame to participate women?
5. What are the roles of local governments in enhancing women roles in agriculture activities?
6. What are the roles of DA‟s in enhancing women roles in agriculture activities?
7. What are the roles of your husbands in enhancing women roles in agriculture activities?
8. What do you say in the overall participation of women in agricultural activities?

81