Extension Services and Household Food Security of Women Rice Farmers in the Delta Region of Myanmar

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze women’s households’ farming practices towards household food security, particularly in six villages of the Ayeyarwaddy region. Data were collected from 126 randomized respondents. Descriptive analysis, Non-parametric Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and stepwise regression methods were applied to analyze the degree of association for extension services upon household food security. Results of the KII and FGD were used to further explain in survey. The respondents are mostly middle-aged women, married, natives of the study sites, and have achieved primary education with the average of five family members. Their earnings from farming are below the poverty threshold of Myanmar. The extension support organizations such as GOs, NGOs, INGOs, and private sectors support extension in this area and government as the primary support by providing and demonstrations. The result of food availability shows rice, fish, eggs, meats, vegetables, legumes are the usual food present in the homes of the respondents. All respondents mostly have rice, vegetables, and fish for a certain period of time in the food accessibility. When it comes to food utilization, most respondents cook their food except lime which they eat raw. In food stability, almost all respondents have enough food in their homes. Access to the extension services as to credit, market infrastructure, and transport accessibility proved to have huge effects on food security. Farm organizations also support food security. In view of all of these, the study recommended the adoption of extension strategies. These techniques are grounded on the respondents’ farming practices and extension strategies identified.