Gender Differences and Relations in Rural Household Livelihoods of Gog District, Anywaa Zone, Gambella Region, South Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Gender Differences and Relations in Rural Household Livelihoods of Gog District, Anywaa Zone, Gambella Region, South Western Ethiopia Ojulu Lual Owitti Abstract Agricultural and environmental resources are contributing for livelihood improvement of many rural households of the study area. However, sustainability of a household livelihood depends on rights of both men’s and women’s access to and control over resources and services. Gender-based inequality, lack of equity and power imbalance in sharing resources and services is deeply rooted in rural households, with little research on gender analysis. This study aims at analyzing gender-based differences and relations existing between men and women in rural household livelihoods including constraints they are facing for access to and control over resources and services. This has been achieved using stratified sampling, systematic random sampling, interview, descriptive statistics, independent samples T-test, chi-square and small case studies. The study findings reveals a significant difference and power imbalance between men and women in rural household livelihoods where women engaged in unpaid reproductive roles, have more work burden, and faced many demographic, social, economical, cultural and institutional constraints as compared to men. Thus, efforts on gender-sensitive and participatory programmes, capacity building programmes, implementing gender equality and equity measures, social services, affirmative actions, and rural infrastructure development should be made to improve household livelihood of both men and women living in rural areas. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v3n1a7