Roles of Rural Women in Livelihood and Sustainable Food Security in Ethiopia: A Case Study from Delanta Dawunt District, North Wollo Zone

Abstract

This study was conducted at Delanta Dawunt District, which was characterized by high population density, recurrent drought and food insecurity. By so doing, it has assessed the various ranges of activities that are performed by women and identified the overall problems encountered by women. To these end, attempts have been made by rural women to identify their roles in livelihood and sustainable food security in Ethiopia in general and the Delanta Dawunt District in particular. The study was conducted by taking four sampled rural local districts from a total of 44 local districts. Household surveys were made by taking 160 women and 40 men. The interviewees were selected using stratified random sampling technique in 50 households from each local district. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean score, cumulative frequency and Chi-Square tests. As the results shown, women were more participating in a wide range of poverty alleviation. They were food producers and providers in Delanta Dawunt District. Despite their fundamental roles in agricultural sectors and sustainable food security, women have been marginalized for so long. Among the total respondents, about 85, 80, 71 and 54 % of the respondents stated that women were more venerable for quality and quantity of food, water, health services and fuel wood, respectively and 65% of adults (women) ate twice per day (mornings and evenings). This occurred under the normal and good harvesting seasons. In terms of agro-ecology, two meals per day were more common in Woina Dega (72%), Dega (70%) and Kolla (46%). In general, women have limited access of dietary composition of nutritional meals in the study area. Among the crop production activities, storage preparation (92%) and storing processes (83%) were mainly performed by women, weeding, harvesting and post-harvesting, and threshing field preparation tasks shared equally with men by 53, 50 and 83%, respectively. With respect to livestock management, women have taken a lion’s share. Of the livestock management tasks, milk processing 83%), caring of new borne animals (52%) and barn cleaning (63%), and almost all the household duties were predominantly performed by women. Women have also limited access of agricultural products, credit facilities, skill training, education, extension services and information. To strengthen and develop women involvement in livelihood and sustainable food security all concerned bodies should take appropriate measures to empower women’s in education and training. The packages of development including improvements in income, health, nutrition and education should be addressed women’s.