Male-headed Households Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Optimal and Timely Antenatal Care Uptake in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria: A Cross-Section Study

Background Adequate antenatal care (ANC) visits and early timing are crucial for maternal and foetal health. However, many pregnant women in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria delay ANC initiation and fail to meet recommended visit numbers. This study aimed to identify factors associated with timely ANC initiation and achieving optimal number of ANC visits in these countries. Methods A cross-sectional analysis with data from the most recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS) datasets for Kenya (2022), Nigeria (2018) and South Africa (2016) were used. The study included 35,219 women aged 15–49 who had given birth within the previous two years. The women's sociodemographic and maternal health care-seeking characteristics were summarised using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify associations between explanatory variables, the timing of the first ANC visit, and the frequency of ANC visits. Results Optimal ANC visits (≥4 visits) were 67.2% in Kenya, South Africa (75.5%), and Nigeria (56.9%). Early timing of first ANC visits (≤3 months) was 30.2% in Kenya, 47.3% in South Africa and 18.3% in Nigeria. Factors associated with adequate ANC visits were maternal age, wealth status, and caesarean section, while parity and household size reduced the odds of optimal ANC visits. Maternal age, caesarean section, wealth status, and others were associated with increased odds of early timing of ANC visits. Parity, male-headed households, employed women and women who had a challenge with treatment costs had reduced the odds of timely ANC uptake. Conclusion More than half of the participants had optimal ANC visits, while less than half initiated ANC early. Tailored interventions addressing specific social, cultural, and economic contexts are crucial to improving early ANC visits and the frequency of ANC visits. Mixed methods research could provide in-depth insights into barriers and facilitators of ANC uptake, informing the design of targeted interventions.

Beyond the ‘gender gap’ in agriculture: Africa's Green Revolution and gendered rural transformation in Rwanda

The African Green Revolution (AGR) aims to modernize, intensify, and commercialize agriculture through increasing technology adoption by smallholder farmers. AGR interventions also promote gender equality, aiming to close the ‘gender gap’ in agriculture by enhancing women's access to purchased inputs, technology, land, and finance. With an empirical focus on Rwanda, this article examines the gendered implications of the AGR. We critically reflect on the notion of gender gaps and the associated tendency of development research to treat gender as a variable, assessing outcomes for male-headed versus female-headed households in terms of their access to material assets. We argue that these assessments overlook (1) the differential impacts of AGR policies within households and (2) how agricultural modernization influences gendered access to material resources as well as immaterial responsibilities, norms, and identities. Our findings from a mixed-methods study with four Rwandan communities show how the AGR empowers men as ‘modern’ farmers while marginalizing women's agricultural spaces, labor, and crops. We argue that development research and practice should move beyond the narrow focus on gender gaps to additionally consider how technologies and policies are themselves gendered in ways that can constrict food security, entrench inequitable power dynamics, and further marginalize women.

Do social cash transfers bridge the wellbeing gender gap in developing countries? The case of Ghana’s LEAP programme

ABSTRACT Gender inequality remains a significant problem in Ghana with many women socially and economically disadvantaged. Social protection interventions, in particular cash transfer programmes, have the potential to increase wellbeing and reduce gender gaps in poor households. This article analyses the wellbeing differences between men and women beneficiaries of Ghana's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme. Using a multiple regression moderation interaction model, we analyse six wellbeing dimensions (financial, health, education, food, housing and social) of 322 LEAP cash transfer beneficiaries in Ghana's KEEA district. We found that female-headed households achieve better wellbeing than male-headed households when LEAP income is paid at regular intervals. Regular LEAP payments also reduce gender gaps in wellbeing. These findings contribute to the design of policies seeking to bridge the wellbeing gap between men and women.

Covid-19 and intra-household financial coping strategies in Pakistan

The economic challenges due to the Covid-19 are likely to be acuter in developing countries as their population predominantly relies on informal activities not protected through insurance or government support. To understand how people are coping with the Covid-19 challenges, this study investigates seven important financial coping strategies of households in Pakistan using a nationally representative large dataset of 6000 households. The data was collected by the government right after the acute stage of the Covid-19 to study the economic implications of pandemic. By using the binary logit regressions our results show that households exposed to a severe negative Covid-19 shock have higher odds of using their savings or investments, acquiring loans, quitting education of their children, not paying their utility bills, and selling their productive assets in comparison to the households unexposed to a severe Covid-19 shock. Furthermore, a gender-based comparison between severely affected male and female-headed households reveals that female-headed households are two times less likely to discontinue the education of their children, obtain informal loans, and sell their productive assets to cope with the Covid-19 shock. This reflects better financial management among female as compared to male-headed households. Lastly, compared to urban households, rural-affected households also have higher odds of quitting the education of their children and not paying utility bills. The findings highlight the severity of the pandemic in a developing country and call for a swift and targeted government response to ensure minimum well-being of the households.

MITIGATION OF FOOD INSECURITY IN ETHIOPIA: PERSONAL, HOUSEHOLD, AND REGIONAL DETERMINANTS

Food insecurity has plagued Ethiopia for decades. The objective of this study is determining which personal attributes, household features, income-generating undertakings, and regional location change the food insecurity of Ethiopian households updating past studies. Furthermore, the study quantifies the probability changes in a household being food insecure in response to changes in personal attributes, household features, income-generating undertakings, and regional location. The data from the 2021/2022 Ethiopian Rural Socioeconomic Survey have been applied to estimate coefficients using the logit technique and calculate the effects of explanatory variables. Results show that being a male household head, education, having non-farm enterprise, and access to electricity lower the likelihood of a household being food insecure. In contrast, the likelihood of being food insecure has been associated with the region where a household was located, or dependence on raising livestock. The regional discrepancies have been substantial. Broadening access to education, stimulating non-farm enterprise, and promoting economic development while accounting for regional differences will reduce the risk of household food insecurity.

Utilization of unimproved energy sources and associated factors among households in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia: implications for climate change and health concerns

IntroductionThe use of unimproved energy sources is associated with a range of health problems. However, in Ethiopia, studies focused on the utilization of unimproved energy sources and associated factors are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to close this gap.MethodsIn this community-based cross-sectional study, 5,350 participants were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the associations between the utilization of unimproved energy sources and the predictor variables. Additionally, the chi-square test was used to examine the association between households' unimproved energy source utilization and the occurrence of health problems.ResultsIn this study, 45% of households used unimproved energy sources. In the multivariable analysis, households headed by men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.76; with 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66, 0.87), households headed by illiterate heads (AOR = 1.77 with 95% CI 1.47, 2.14), household family size (AOR = 0.79 with 95% CI 0.79, 0.93), households headed with farmers (AOR = 3.33 with 95% CI 2.31, 4.81), households with low income (AOR = 3.41 with 95% CI 2.57, 4.51), rural households (AOR = 7.94 with 95% CI 6.76, 9.32), and households with regular coffee ceremony practices (AOR = 1.17 with 95% CI 1.00, 1.36) were significantly associated with the utilization of unimproved energy sources. Additionally, the results of the chi-square test revealed that households that relied on unimproved energy sources had a 1.5-fold greater risk of developing respiratory illnesses, an 8.5-fold greater risk of developing cataract disease, and a 5.2-fold greater risk of developing trachoma than households that used improved energy sources.ConclusionA significant proportion of households in Bishoftu town still rely on unimproved energy sources for cooking and other household needs. This indicates a substantial challenge in achieving universal access to clean and sustainable energy in the area. Several socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with the use of unimproved energy sources, including male-headed households, illiteracy of household head, smaller family size, farming occupation, low income, rural residence, and regular coffee ceremony practices. Most importantly, the use of unimproved energy sources is associated with higher risks of respiratory illnesses, cataracts, and trachoma among household members. Therefore, the government should implement targeted interventions to promote the adoption of clean and improved energy sources among vulnerable households such as households headed by farmers, those with illiterate heads, households with low socioeconomic status, households with regular coffee ceremony practices, and those in rural areas. In addition, the local government should develop and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness about the health and environmental risks associated with the use of unimproved energy sources, particularly among households with high-risk factors identified in the study.

Cultural Constraints and Women's Education: A Case Study of Women's Higher Education in District Mardan

The purpose of this study is to explore deeply rooted cultural issues responsible for women's failure to pursue higher education in District Mardan, Pakistan. For this purpose, a qualitative research approach is employed and data is collected through semi-structured interviews with male household heads. The research pinpointed major issues that surfaced as early marriages, family responsibilities, and discrimination on the basis of gender, poverty, and stigmatization of women rather than men. These barriers do not only stifle the growth of women but also the development of the region in terms of economic incorporation and human resources development. The thematic analysis technique is utilized for qualitative data analysis. This study focuses on equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender identity, and aims to generate awareness among all relevant stakeholders: family members, community, and policymakers.

Assessment of Beekeeping Practice and Its Constraints in Cheha Woreda of Gurage Zone

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of beekeeping and its practice taking place, constraints affecting the beekeeping practice of the area. For this study, 20 households were selected randomly, with the total of 60 households. Both primary and secondary source of data was collected. The primary data were collected mainly from interviews and by observation, whereas secondary data were collected from Chaha Woreda Agricultural office. Further more, visits to the districts were taken to gather relevant information for the study prior to actual survey. The results of this study show that, out of the respondents, 51 were male headed households whereas the rest 9 households were female headed. Majority of household in the area was from 20-60 years old indicating that, active working force is dominant in the study area. In relation to educational level, 20% of the respondents were illiterate and the remaining had got at least basic education quantitatively, 18.33%, 28.33% and 13.33% of the respondents had attended elementary school, secondary and high school, respectively. Beekeeping is an ancient farming activity and practiced as a side line with other farm activities. Based on the type of hives and management practiced, three types of beekeeping are yet visible in the area. There was no significant variation in proportion of hives among the study kebeles. <i>However, Sisenamati, which was lower in number of transitional hive, has shown relatively high potential with modern hive followed by warden. Adoshe was better in potential of transitional hive but has lower number of modern hive. </i>Out of householders, 53.4%, 30.6%, 9.4% and 6.6% state that they have place traditional hive under the roof of the house, hanging on trees, inside the house and back yard respectively.

Sustainable land management and implications on incomes, food self-sufficiency and women

The adoption of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices among smallholder farmers remains low, particularly among women farmers. Understanding the relationship between assets, gender, and SLM adoption and how their interaction impinges on household food self-sufficiency and livelihoods is essential for developing gender-responsive SLM programmes that effectively promote sustainable livelihoods and address household food insecurity. This study examines the effects of asset type on SLM practices adoption, women farmers, and their implications on household incomes and food self-sufficiency. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 761 households selected from 11 chiefdoms across six districts in Eastern Zambia. Analysis involved Structural Equation System framework and Propensity Score Matching techniques to examine relationships between SLM adoption, food self-sufficiency, and household incomes, considering various socio-economic factors. Results showed marital status and household size as significant demographics, with education positively correlating with household income and SLM participation (p < 0.05). Gender disparities persisted, with male-headed households having higher incomes. Labour allocation analysis revealed women’s involvement in labour-intensive tasks, while smaller farms showed higher income probabilities, supporting sustainable agricultural intensification. Social capital significantly influenced SLM participation, and access to financial capital. Livestock assets, land size, and crop diversity predicted food security, while male decision-making influenced food security and income. Incomes were higher for women participating in SLM projects. This study underscores the importance of SLM practices in influencing household incomes and food security, especially for women. Addressing gender disparities and promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture are crucial for achieving equitable and sustainable rural development. Policymakers can foster sustainable livelihoods in rural communities by prioritizing SLM and empowering women.

ANALYZING SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES AND FACTORS INVOLVED IN NON-USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG YOUNG AND NON-YOUNG MARRIED FEMALES IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM NFHS 2019-21

It has been observed that married women refrain from utilizing contraceptive methods owing to a variety of reasons, including postpartum-amenorrhea, side-effects-worries, rarely or never having sex, no contraception while breastfeeding, or frustration with a particular method. The current study sought to investigate the sociodemographic disparities and contributing factors related to married women who are young (15–24 years old) and non-young (25–49 years old) and who do not utilize contemporary contraceptive methods. The research utilized cross-sectional data obtained from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) to explore the determinants of contraceptive non-utilization among 175,652 married women in India. Multiple logistic regression analysis was utilized for the examination. The study found that non-young married females (25-49) had a higher prevalence of not using contemporary contraceptives (72%) compared to young married females (45.8%). The majority of non-users were from the central region (24.4%), followed by the east (17.4%), north-east (17.2%), north (15.9%), south (15.2%), and west region (9.9%). The majority of non-users were non-working and had male and female household heads. Most non-users knew about modern contraceptives but were unaware of family planning on radio and TV. Higher odds ratios in the non-use among married females were found significant among central-region females (OR=2.189, CI: 1.815-2.641), East-region (OR=1.324, CI: 1.148-1.527), South-region (OR=1.262, CI: 1.063-1.497), females who don’t know caste (OR=1.898, CI: 1.176-3.062), females having primary (OR=3.466, CI: 2.889-4.157) and secondary education (OR=2.281, CI: 1.890-2.753), females who used since last birth (OR=1.851, CI: 1.658-2.068) and never used (OR=1.632, CI: 1.474-1.806). The study found that economically disadvantaged females, household heads, and those with multiple children are less likely to avoid birth control methods, while marital status, religion, caste, education, and birth order did not have a significant impact on non-usage. The study highlights sociodemographic disparities in contraceptive use, emphasizing the need to address issues like low education, media exposure, and ignorance towards birth-control practices, and recommends immediate actions to reduce non-use among married females.

Analysis of agricultural technology adoption: the use of improved maize seeds and its determinants in Ethiopia, evidence from Eastern Amhara

Agriculture is the major source of income and employment creation for majority of least developed countries. Ethiopia as one of least developed countries of sub-Saharan Africa, majority of its citizen’s livelihood is predominantly dependent on agricultural products, more specifically on the production of cereal crops (Alemayehu et al. in Adv Crop Sci Technol 6(1):1–9, 2018). This study is conducted to identify the determinants of household to adopt and use improved maize seed, one of highly cultivated cereal crops in Eastern Amhara of Ethiopia. The data used in this study are secondary data collected by the agriculture office of Amhara regional state from 3864 household farmers living in the study area in 2022 fiscal year. To address the objective of the study, both descriptive and econometric methods of data analysis are applied. Because of the binary nature of adoption to be either adaptor or non-adaptor, probit regression model is applied. The probit model result shows that being male-headed household, rural credit provision, access to irrigation and the use of fertilizers affect the tendency of adopting improved maize seeds are positively related, while total arable land size owned by farmers negatively affects adoption status. Based on this result, the researcher recommends that government and other institutions should be invited to facilitate and directly involve in providing credit, irrigation, and fertilizers in the study area.

Effect of Open Market Operations on Income Inequality

Inequality is particularly relevant for public debates on the disaggregate implications of economic policies since they might have distinct effects across different segments of the population. Impact of monetary easing on inequality have recently attracted increasing attention especially in developing countries. This article examined the effect of open market operations on income inequality in Kenya. A quantitative research design method was adopted. The study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional data from the Kenya Continuous Household Survey Programme (KCHSP) for the years 2020 and 2021. Stepwise regression, forward selection model was executed with a threshold of 0.2. Further, the study was supported by Permanent Income Hypothesis, Kuznets Hypothesis and the modernization theory. Income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, was the dependent variable. Open market operations (repo, and reverse repo) was the independent variable in the model. The male headed households had a Gini coefficient of 0.58 while a Gini coefficient of 0.59 was attributed to female headed households, across the 47 counties. The results showed that open market operations (reverse repo) had a coefficient of 0.022, p=0.026< 0.05 which was positive and statistically significant at 5% level. The findings indicate that in order to effectively manage income inequality in the country, policymakers should adopt an interdisciplinary and multifaceted approach. This approach should take into account the differential impacts of various policy instruments on income distribution, with a particular focus on demographic segmentation. Additionally, policymakers should combine careful adjustments to monetary policy with targeted social and fiscal measures. These measures should be continuously informed by rigorous data analysis, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy.

Financial literacy, social security, and healthcare cost anxiety in China.

This study examines the impact of financial literacy and social security on healthcare cost anxiety in China using data from the 2021 Global Financial Inclusion database. Employing an ordered logit model and its marginal effects, we analyse how these factors influence varying levels of healthcare cost anxiety (worried, somewhat worried, and not worried at all) across total, female-headed and male-headed households. Financial literacy and social security both demonstrate significant negative effects on healthcare cost anxiety across all household types. It implied that individuals who save for old age and those with social security coverage are less likely to experience high levels of healthcare cost anxiety. The ordered logit results show consistent negative coefficients for financial literacy and social security across all household categories. Marginal effects analysis further illustrates how these factors affect the probability of falling into each category of healthcare cost anxiety. These findings underscore the importance of promoting financial literacy and expanding social security coverage as potential strategies to alleviate healthcare cost anxiety in China.

Nutrition for all? Input subsidies and equitable diets

AbstractWhile agricultural input subsidies can improve productivity and nutrition, a key unanswered question is whether such government initiatives influence equitable nutrition access across genders. We study gender disparities in dietary diversity among 7783 smallholder farms in Zambia, evaluating the potential of subsidies to mitigate gaps. Using Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition methods, results reveal female‐headed households (FHHs) have significantly lower dietary diversity than male‐headed ones, with gaps ranging from 6% to 12% along the distribution. Male‐headed households (MHHs) also show 9% higher input subsidy participation, influenced by education and agricultural extension access among others. Crucially, increased FHHs' participation in input subsidies could potentially close the gendered dietary diversity gap, even surpassing MHHs by 17.8%, underscoring the promise of targeted efforts to improve gender equity. However, achieving socioeconomic parity with MHHs further amplifies positive impacts. Given these findings, facilitating FHHSs' access to input subsidies can promote more equitable nutrition outcomes between genders. Broader participation could be enabled by strengthening agricultural extension and education to equip farmers, especially marginalized female‐headed and remote households, to leverage subsidized inputs. Overall, this study demonstrates that prioritizing female‐headed households' inclusion in input subsidy programs, alongside integrated support, holds strong potential to narrow gendered disparities in dietary diversity among smallholder farms in Zambia. It provides key insights to inform the design of nutrition‐sensitive, gender‐aware agricultural policies.

Do male and female heads of households have different beliefs about gender equity among young people in Nigeria?

Gender-transformative approaches (GTAs) have been successfully carried out to address harmful gender norms and power imbalances to promote more gender equitability. However, to improve the health and wellbeing of young people, it is necessary to involve household heads by positively transforming their beliefs on gender equity and norms. This study was cross-sectional quantitative research undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study population consisted of household heads in households with young people aged 15-24 years. Data were collected for 15 days using paper and electronic copies of the questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata. The results showed that 46.32% of male and 62.81% of female heads of households disagreed with the statement "a good woman never questions her husband's opinions, even if she is not sure she agrees with them." Female heads of households aged 50 years and below with an odds ratio of 0.47 (p-value = 0.02) suggest they were 0.47 times more likely to have a positive attitude toward the rights and privileges of young girls. Male heads of households aged 50 years and below with an odds ratio of 1.05 (p-value = 0.84) suggest that they were 1.05 times more likely to have a positive attitude toward the rights and privileges of young girls. This paper provides new knowledge on the gender norm attitude of male and female heads of households on the rights, privileges, and equity promotion of young boys and young girls, as well as its associated factors.

Understanding farmers diversity in non-timber forest products activities in Ogun State, Nigeria

There is an increasing need for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan region to explore multiple income streams, which would help them to overcome the challenges of food insecurity and poverty. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide a cheap alternative for these resource constrained farmers. However, much is not known about the characterizing differences among the resource-constrained smallholding farmers engaged in NTFP activities. Understanding these differences will provide valuable insights on the challenges and potentials of NTFPs. To this end, this study developed a farmer typology among the different farmers engaging in NTFP activities in Ogun State, Nigeria, exploring their social and economic dynamics and outcomes within the sector and characterizing the farmers by different household components, access to forest lands, and income levels. Primary data of 350 households were collected by randomly sampling respondents associated with NTFPs in 15 wards in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Four distinct farmer types were identified; Type 1 - consisting of male-headed households; Type 2, comprising both male and female-headed households; Type 3, female-headed households; and Type 4, with young male household heads. Type 1 farmers have high productivity and income from NTFP cultivation, albeit with higher production costs, but Type 2 outperforms other types by employing a comprehensive approach that combines trading and collection of NTFPs. Type 3 farmers face limitations in income generation due to limited access to forest areas, whereas Type 4 farmers exhibit average income levels and limited access to forestlands. Additionally, trading and collection of NTFP in the region could be a very viable economic option for the farmers, but there are challenges, such as assessing forest areas and forest reserves and gender inequality, that need to be overcome. A future study that can explore the profitability of NTFP activities considering the heterogeneity among farmers was suggested, as such studies could be helpful to better understand the challenges facing NTFP farmers in the regions. Finally, we recommend the promotion of gender equality, enhancement of market linkages as well as skills and knowledge in the bid to enable farmers to maximize income generation and make informed decisions. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and practitioners can foster sustainable and inclusive NTFP-based livelihoods, benefiting rural communities and contributing to poverty reduction and environmental conservation.

The detrimental effect of socio-economic factors on cotton productivity in the tribal region of Odisha

Cotton is a crucial cash crop in the tribal belt of Odisha. It has a significant effect on the livelihood of the tribal people. The volatile socio-economic background of the tribal farmers is a major hindrance to the proper development of the agriculture sector. In this regard, it is important to study the possible factors affecting cotton productivity in the tribal region to boost the policy effectiveness for the development of this cash crop in the area. More precisely, how is their socio-economic condition reflected in their crop productivity? So, the development of the tribal farmers can develop this crop in the region. This study analyses the detrimental effect of socio-economic factors on cotton productivity in the tribal area of Odisha. The data are collected using a structured questionnaire and a multiple-sampling technique. To understand the effect of socioeconomic factors on productivity, the ordinary least square (OLS) method has been employed in this paper. The result shows that most of the farmers are illiterate for which productivity is degrading. The age and gender of the head of the household are significant contributors to the cotton productivity of the study area. Male-headed households are more productive than female-headed households. Per capita monthly income and proportion of irrigated land are also important factors to affect cotton productivity positively. However, the social group of the family has no significant effect on the cotton productivity in the study area. Policymakers and agriculturists should emphasize farmer literacy, farmer income and land irrigation facilities to boost the productivity of this crop in the studied region.

Gender gap in agricultural productivity: evidence from Burkina Faso

PurposeWomen make a major contribution to the agricultural sector, especially in developing countries. Despite this, women still face many obstacles in carrying out their agricultural activities. These obstacles have a negative impact on their productivity and create a gender gap. This paper analyses the difference in agricultural productivity between male-headed and female-headed households in Burkina Faso.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from the Permanent Agricultural Survey (EPA), we applied the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method to determine the size of the gender gap and identify the variables explaining this gap. In this study, we used the value of production per farm worker as a measure of productivity.FindingsThe results indicate a gender gap of 43.8 percentage points in favor of male-headed households. Around 131% of this difference is explained by differences in observable household characteristics. The factor that most explains this difference in productivity is the difference in the total area of land available to households.Practical implicationsThis finding calls for women’s access to land to be considered in the design and implementation of agricultural development policies.Originality/valueOne of the main contributions of this article in relation to previous studies lies in the unit of analysis. Rather than focusing on individual producers, as in previous studies, we have instead considered the household as the unit of analysis, since in developing countries such as Burkina Faso, production decisions are taken at household level. It contributes to inform economic policy decisions by providing decision-makers with the factors on which they can act to bring about an increase in agricultural productivity by reducing the gap between male-headed households and female-headed households.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0923

Gender preferences for multiple attributes of soil and water conservation in Northern Rwanda

Despite the dominance of female labor in agricultural production, female-controlled farm plots have lower efficiency compared to plot managed by male-headed households, which indicates a huge gender disparity in agricultural productivity. Overlooking gender preferences when designing interventions that promote the conservation of soil and water resources might face challenges in adoption and could result in ineffective policies to close the gender gap. This study seeks to analyze gender-specific preferences regarding attributes of soil and water conservation (SWC) in northern Rwanda. A best-worst survey was conducted among 653 respondents, comprising 253 males and 400 females, representing 422 households surveyed between September and December 2019. The analysis of BWS data involved assessing attribute-level relative importance, Pearson correlation, and maximum difference scaling using multinomial logit (MNL). Findings from attribute-level importance analysis revealed significant gender-based disparities in preferences across three important SWC attribute scenarios: the high scenario (between 65 % and 100 %), the moderate scenario (between 50 % and 65 %), and the basic scenario (with <50 % relative importance). The study identified heterogeneity in preferences regarding the relative importance of SWC attribute levels. Pearson correlation analysis revealed substantial synergies among attribute levels linked to land consolidation, improved land tenure, and joint SWC decision-making between genders. Additionally, the study identified trade-offs among multiple levels of SWC attributes, including households' SWC decision-making and physical and structural measures. The results from MNL regression show that both males and females exhibit positive preferences for multiple levels of SWC attributes, but show negative preferences when it comes to household decisions involving multiple SWC strategies. The study highlights the importance of equal opportunities for males and females’ participation in agricultural transformation through the adoption of SWC technologies as a fundamental step towards sustainable agricultural intensification. It advocates for gender transformational approaches to incentivize the scaling up of SWC practices and promote packages with lower uptake rates. Additionally, the study suggests enhancing knowledge and extension education in SWC to better understand diverse needs and preferences of female farmers.

Farmers’ motivational factors for medicinal plant production in the southwestern region of Bangladesh

Medicinal plants (MPs) generate cash income and save millions of people in Bangladesh. The aim of this study is to identify farmers’ motivational factors to cultivate MPs. This study is based on primary data collected from 196 sample households from two MP-growing districts of Bangladesh. Three MPs, namely, Aloe vera, Bombax ceiba, and Withania somnifera, were considered for this study. Principal component analysis (PCA), the z test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and factor analysis (FA) were used in this study. The results showed that household size and male-headed household status are driving socioeconomic factors. Ownership of water pumps, number of rooms in the house, access to contract marketing, and off-farm income are significant economic factors encouraging households to cultivate MPs. Farming experience, scientific knowledge, access to high land and access to loamy land are significant biophysical factors motivating farmers to cultivate MPs. More technical support and institutionalized contract marketing systems should be continued and established for the sustainability of MP cultivation.