The Needs and Demands of Women Farmers in Agricultural Production and Rural Livelihood, and Their Expected Roles in Rural Development

Abstract

The major type of agricultural management in Taiwan is the ”family farm”, in which the farming site is usually connected with the living area of the farming family and the demand for manpower on the farm makes women an important source of farm labor. While work on the farm is shared between husband and wife in most farms of Taiwan. Women farmers often participate in many work items which are supposed to be done by men, especially in industries requiring intensive labor and involving multi-faceted work items. Women farmers not only work with their husbands but also support their careers. However, it is shown in previous studies that, while farming couples acknowledge that home management should be shared between husband and wife, it is, in most cases, the wives who do the work alone. There is a gap between ”concept” and ”execution” in the labor division of home management in farming families. Almost all women farmers believe it is necessary for them to attend classes and other learning activities, which are thought to be helpful not only in increasing knowledge and expanding personal relationships, but also in relieving pressure and distress. However, actual participation by women farmers is scarce and their reasons include: they are busy at work, their children need to be looked after, their work will be delayed, they have no such information, transportation or time does not allow, or they think their husbands' attendance will be enough. Therefore, it is imperative to help women farmers overcome the learning barriers. Now that the New Agriculture Movement is on its way, it is of contemporary significance to emphasize the human resource development and lifelong learning of women farmers. From the old to the modern times, the roles of women farmers have much diversified: they are now the mistress and supporter of the family as well as a citizen and service provider in society. It is, therefore, advised to help them enhance their capability in playing appropriate roles and to further understand their need for learning and the satisfaction of their other needs and demands.