Determinants of adoption of homestead gardening by women and effect on their income and decision making power

Abstract

Use of homestead gardening in developing countries may be a method for improving income and employment of rural women, but determinants for adoption by women are not well understood. The study identified determinants of adoption of homestead gardening and its effect on income and decision making power of women. A total of 150 adopter and non-adopter women were interviewed and the Mann-Whitney test, and probit model was used to analyze data. Age, years of education, training, farm size, and income influenced the adoption of homestead gardening. Annual income in adopters were 40 % more than non-adopters. Women involved in homestead gardening increased household food production and income which helped them to contribute in decision making and could improve the status of women in the society.