Gender Role and Decision Making in Soybean Production and Management Practices in Bambasi District, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Hawa Mehari

doi:10.7176/iel/10-1-05

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of men and women on soybean production, household and community management; and decision making in soybean production at Bambasi District, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select sample respondents in the study area. Out of thirty eight kebeles (the smallest administrative unit) in the district, ten kebeles which involved in soybean production were selected purposively. Similarly five kebeles were selected by simple random sampling technique. Based on the list of the beneficiaries, households were selected using probabilities proportional to sample size procedure. A total of 136 households of soybean producer farmers (78 male headed household (MHH) and 58 female headed household (FHH)) were selected for the study. Primary data were collected through the aid of semi-structured questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize and compare the information obtained in both households. The findings of the study revealed that women and men play a key role in all types of soybean production activities. In FHH women took the lion share of the activities. In MHH, many numbers of men (2.9 on average) were devoted much time (12.5hrs) to clear the land. Preparing the land using oxen was entirely men’s activity in both MHH and FHH, while weeding activity was carried out by women. Men were devoted 9.6hrs in harvesting activity in MHH; however women also virtually share more time in these activities. In FHH more labour and time were devoted by women. Threshing the produce using animal was carried out by men in both households. In equine transport men were the chief of the activity in MHHs and FHHs. Women were over burden in reproductive activities. The result indicated that in MHH, men took the higher position in making the decision of the household. In the same manner in FHH, women made the major decision of the household. Women often work longer hours (15hrs/day in MHH and 16hr/day in FHH) than men (11hrs/day) in the households. In conclusion the role of men and women are different, and the significance of women role is not equally valued. Hence, it is recommended to improve gender specific issues and disparities to soybean producers in particular, and to women farmers in general. Keywords: Decision making, Gender role, Soybean production DOI : 10.7176/IEL/10-1-05 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Highlights

Gender as an interdisciplinary concept refers to women and men, the relations between them, and the institutions that govern these relations (Farre, 2013).Gender relates to socially assigned roles and behaviors attributable to men and women
Gender roles are socially rather than biologically determined; they are fluid and subject to change based on changing norms, resources, policies, and contexts
Research Methodology Description of the study area Bambasi district is among the seven districts found in Assosa Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional States

Summary

Introduction

Gender as an interdisciplinary concept refers to women and men, the relations between them, and the institutions that govern these relations (Farre, 2013).Gender relates to socially assigned roles and behaviors attributable to men and women. Women and men differ in their activities and undertakings, regarding access to and control over resources and participating in decision-making (Mohammed and Abdulquadri, 2012). Gender roles are socially rather than biologically determined; they are fluid and subject to change based on changing norms, resources, policies, and contexts. Women comprise on average 43 percent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries. If men and women had equal access to productive resources in agriculture, food output in developing countries would increase by between 2.5 and 4 percent – enough to pull 100-150 million people out of hunger. In many countries, existing and historically based cultural discrimination against women means that they have less right than men to own or hold land or to make decisions about their lives (FAO, 2011a)

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