Women Farmers Research Articles

Implementation Of The CSR Program Of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Rewulu In Improving The Capacity Of Local Food Utilization Of Koro Beans

Many local food commodities in Indonesia, especially Yogyakarta, are still not utilized into products that are worth selling. This results in the amount continuing to increase in fresh conditions, resulting in a short shelf life. For this reason, through the implementation of the CSR program Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Rewulu together with the academic team aims to 1) increase the use of local food, especially jack beans which are easy to grow in all areas in Bantul, Yogyakarta, 2) Prepare the abilities of members of the Women's Farmers Group (KWT) to be able to process milk from koro beans. The assistance methods used are in the form of socialization, discussion, training and assistance in processing dairy products, as well as evaluation. This activity was carried out in several meetings to ensure that KWT members were able to carry out the processing appropriately. Based on the results of observations, it was found that KWT members were able to practice the training provided and carry out routine production activities during the last three months during the monitoring and evaluation period. It is hoped that through this mentoring activity, KWT members can take advantage of local food which is available in abundance with a higher selling value.

Economic efficiency of rice production among the small-scale women farmers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

This study evaluated the economic efficiency of rice production among the small-scale women farmers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 100 small-scale women rice farmers. The primary data were collected with the aid of a well-designed and well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting technique, financial analysis, the Stochastic production frontier efficiency model, and the Tobit dichotomous regression model. The results show that 88% of women rice farmers were below 50 years old. The mean age was 44 years. Averagely, they were small-scale farmers with 1.31 hectares of farm land. The labor input in man-days constituted the highest percentage of about 50.8% of the total costs of activities involved in rice production. The net farm income and gross margin ratio was estimated at 416,800 Naira and 0.63 respectively. This shows that the rice production by women farmers was profitable and worthwhile. The mean allocative, economic, technical efficiency scores were 50.3%, 50.8%, and 51.20% leaving the efficiency gaps of 49.7%, 49.2%, and 48.8% for improvement respectively. The significant factors influencing the economic efficiency of the rice production among women farmers include the following: – farm size, labor input, household size, seed input, fertilizer input, chemical input, farm experience, and access to credit. The major constraints encountered by women rice farmers include the following: inadequate credit facilities (1st), high cost of labor (2nd), high cost of fertilizers (3rd) and high cost of herbicides (4th). The study recommends that farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizer input, chemical input and herbicides should be made available to women farmers at affordable prices. Credit facilities devoid of rigorous administrative procedures at low interest rate should be made available to women farmers Keywords: economic efficiency, rice production, Tobit regression model, small-scale women farmers, Abuja, Nigeria

Exploring effects of climate-smart agriculture innovations on women smallholders’ livelihoods in Ethiopia

AbstractStudies do not often provide evidence as to how innovations improve women smallholders’ livelihoods in male-headed households by analyzing women farmers in their own rights which is vital to develop and implement future gender responsive and transformative agricultural innovations. This study investigates if Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) – specifically conservation agriculture (CA) and small-scale irrigation schemes (SSIS) – improve women smallholders’ livelihoods. A concurrent mixed method was applied, and data was collected using survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive and t- statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and thematic and narrative analysis methods to analyze qualitative data. Findings demonstrate that gender norms and intersectional identities and experiences of women together with the absence of gender equity and equality based structural works limit improvement in women’s livelihoods. While the use of CA did not change both men and women farmers livelihoods, SSIS improved men users’ financial and physical capitals. Hence, future CSA innovations should first identify the root causes of contextual gender inequalities and CSA innovations should be implemented based on women smallholders needs, experiences and realities. Building women smallholders’ livelihood capitals through off-farm income-generating activities and broadening the operational scale of CSA innovations for addressing strategic gender needs are desired. Explicitly, there is a need to move to a gender transformative approach (GTA) when implementing CSA innovations as GTA challenges and transforms gender norms and intersectional problems including unequal gendered access to livelihood capitals and decision-making power, unequal gender role distributions and gendered representations and implementation processes in economic policies.

A Comparison between Farm-Related Stress, Mental Health, and Social Support between Men and Women Farmers.

Agricultural producers have worse mental health than the general population; however, recent research has not considered differences in stressors and mental health conditions by gender. A survey was mailed to a random sample of farmers in Illinois to screen for symptoms of anxiety and depression and identify sources of stress and social support. Men experienced more stress related to environmental and economic conditions than women, while women tended to have slightly higher levels of geographic isolation stress than men. Overall, there were no significant differences by gender in the proportion meeting the criteria for depression or anxiety; however, the results are higher than what is observed in the general population. Among those farmers who experience higher levels of stress about geographic isolation, the odds for women farmers to experience depressive symptoms are four times more than men farmers (OR 4.46 (0.91, 21.8); p = 0.06). Additional research should examine the relationship between social support and mental health. Interventions to reduce stress by gender should be considered.

Pemberdayaan Kelompok Wanita Tani Masyarakat Kalikebo melalui pengoptimalan fungsi pekarangan

Many efforts need to be made to improve the community's economy, one of which is maximizing land use. However, in reality, the use of home gardens in the community is not optimal, and productivity still needs to improve, so empowerment is needed. Community service and empowerment activities aim to improve the economy of women farming groups in Kalikebo Hamlet, Rejosari Village, Bandongan District, Magelang Regency, with the hope that the welfare of the residents will gradually increase. The methodology in this service activity uses an Asset-Based Community Development approach, the activity stages of which include the approach stage, vegetable cultivation counseling stage, mentoring stage, and results. Activities include counseling on yard use, providing vegetable seeds and polybags, and other activities. The results of community service activities were responded to very well, and the women farmer group was very interested in the program to use yards for growing vegetables. The final result of this activity is planting vegetables in the participants' yards, which grow well and can reduce family expenses.

The Role of Women in Developing Agriculture by Adopting Strategies for Their Empowerment India

This study examines the role of women in developing agriculture in India by adopting strategies for their empowerment. Despite their significant contribution to the agricultural sector, women face various challenges, including limited access to resources, education, and decision-making positions. The study highlights the importance of empowering women in agriculture, discusses the existing challenges, and proposes strategies for enhancing their participation and productivity. The findings suggest that initiatives such as education and training, access to resources, and decision-making positions can play a crucial role in empowering women in agriculture. The study recommends that policymakers and practitioners consider the importance of traditional practices and informal networks in supporting women farmers.

Women Empowerment Level in Agriculture: A Study in Odisha, India

Women are not given the due record of credit for most of the work they do in agriculture and allied sector as per the present scenario. But according to global institutional study reports, empowering women in agriculture and providing economic gains to them can lead to a more equitable future for all. A study was conducted to ascertain the extent of empowerment of farm women in Odisha. Three districts of Odisha (Puri, Gajapati and Debagarh) were selected representing the three administrative zones (Northern, Southern and Central zone) with 100 women respondents from each district with a total of 300 sample size. Women empowerment has been assessed through their level of cosmopoliteness, access to information, mobility, media exposure, ownership of resources, access to technology etc. Index values have been calculated for each parameter and the average index has also been calculated. Besides, Mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression method were also applied for generalization of collected data. Results of the study indicated that the overall distribution of the sample regarding cosmopoliteness, mobility and media exposure was within medium to high level. Almost all the members found to have high level of access to information. But unfortunately, the distribution of sample regarding access to technology, ownership, membership and leadership was found at low level. The results also showed that selected socio-economic variables of the respondents had notable association with different parameters of empowerment.

Sosialisasi dan Pendampingan Anti Narkoba Karang Taruna di Dusun Clebung Bawah, Soronalan, Sawangan, Magelang

Clebung Bawah Hamlet is one of the developing areas, there are community organizations such as PKK RT, women's farmer group (KWT), posyandu cadres, youth organization (Karang Taruna), and TPQ children's association. However, there is one educational activity that has not been held in this hamlet, namely outreach about the dangers of drugs, and juvenile delinquency. Apart from that, it is also necessary to reactivate positive community activities, such as village cleaning. To overcome this problem, the methods used through PPMT activities are education through outreach about the dangers of drugs and juvenile delinquency, revitalization of the village cleaning, and greening. The result of PPMT activities is that before the activity, PPMT implementers approach residents by participating in routine community activities such as community service and reciting the Koran. The next activity is to conduct outreach with anti-drug and juvenile delinquency material from a health and legal perspective. The implementation of socialization went smoothly and well. The youth receive material from “Program Pengabdian Masyarakat Terpadu (PPMT)” implementers well. Socialization is one form of activity that can be carried out to educate residents about the dangers of drugs and juvenile delinquency. The next activity is the revitalization of village cleaning activities, which are carried out alongside reforestation and the provision of rubbish bins. Village cleaning and greening activities are positive activities that can be used as alternative activities for teenagers while preserving noble culture and protecting the environment.

Factors Influencing Participation of Rural Women Farmers in Agricultural Activities in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Globally, rural women farmers benefited from only 5% of agricultural extension information, and also only 10% of the agricultural extension facilities, this affects their engagement in agricultural development resulting in an increased rate of poverty and lack of the necessary knowledge of agricultural practice. This study aimed to determine the internal and external factors influencing rural women farmers’ participation in agricultural activities in rural areas of Malaysia. The study was conducted in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. A sample size of 248 rural women farmers was selected using simple random sampling. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data were subjected to descriptive and factor analysis using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. The findings indicated that the factors affecting rural women’s participation in agricultural activities in Ranau, Sabah, encompassed access to financial and agricultural inputs, social culture, land rights, access to land, technology adoption, participation in farm management decisions, limited scope of agricultural policy and access to resource and support for women in agriculture. The present study has provided insights into the factors contributing to women’s participation in agriculture activities. The study suggests that a theoretical model should be proposed to test the relationship between these factors and women’s participation in agriculture, along with research to identify solutions for reducing identified barriers.

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Assessing the Impact of the Food Acquisition Program (Paa) on Family Farming in the Western Region of São Paulo, Mirante do Paranapanema, Brazil

Purpose: The objective of the research was to analyze, based on the interfaces between gender and family farming, how access to a public policy, in this case, the Food Acquisition Program (FAP), influences (or not) the empowerment of participating female farmers. Theoretical framework: The methodology used in the research was a case study and interviews were carried out based on elaborate semi-structured scripts (Triviños, 1987). A bibliographical survey was carried out using HERÉDIA; CINTRÃO, 2006, BRASIL, 2011, HAESBAERT (2004), among other literature publications, and systematization of data from secondary sources with National Supply Company. Conception/Methodology/Approach: We took as empirical reference the “Associação Força Feminina” in the municipality of “Mirante do Paranapanema”, in the State of São Paulo. This Association participated of FAP between 2011 and 2016, and it was verified through data from secondary sources that there was growth in terms of values of approved projects. Findings: We consider that the PAA was an action that made it possible to expand the participation of family farming and that generated economic autonomy for women. The PAA provided advances in relation to the quality of life to the women farmers of the Associação Força Feminina, as it valued agricultural products, increased the diversity of production, brought producers and consumers closer together, offered sales guarantees and paid more advantageous prices. Research, practical and social implications: The study deals with issues related to public policies and issues of empowerment in the state of São Paulo – BR. Access to the Food Acquisition Program (SAP), aimed at rural women workers, intends to take into account the social and cultural specificities of family farming, and makes it possible to understand that public policies are an important instrument, that can change the living situation of the families involved and of their beneficiaries. Originality/Value: In this article, a careful case study was developed, based on research into the participation of women farmers in the Food Acquisition Program (PAF), establishing parameters for analysis of whether this participation increased their level of economic and personal empowerment.

Exploring stress management strategies among farm women of South Odisha

Exploring stress management strategies among farm women of South Odisha

Tessu gulal: A livelihood option for tribal farm women of Shahdol district

Tessu gulal: A livelihood option for tribal farm women of Shahdol district

Smallholder farmers’ dissatisfaction with contract farming: a gendered perspective

ABSTRACT This study investigates the drivers of farmers’ dissatisfaction with market-specification contracts for finger millet crop in Kenya. The researcher analysed data from 336 farmers contracted by USOMI, out of which a sub-sample of 146 farmers who grew millet in 2021 was analysed using a probit model and descriptive analysis approach, which showed that asymmetric information related to the role of the contracting firm, lack of adequate understanding of the contract, poor pricing, and input market imperfections are some of the critical constraints and sources of dissatisfaction in the commercialisation of millet farming in Western Kenya. On the other hand, farmers’ satisfaction is driven by access to market and reasonable prices offered by the spot market traders. While the study found out that productivity and pricing were not gendered, it was observed that women were generally satisfied with contract farming. Consequently, contractual schemes should integrate complementary factors such as input provision. While the results do not show explicit benefits to women farmers, they do allow for the backing of contract farming in rural development programs to reduce gender inequalities.

The Influence of Education on Women and Food Security

The study analysed the influence of education on women and food security in South Africa. The methodological approach was a qualitative analysis using focus group discussions and an in-depth desktop review of relevant literature on the education system. The focus group discussions were about rural women's farming initiatives, looking at the influence of education on productivity. According to the study, educational level and farm productivity are directly correlated. The women in the focus group discussions mentioned that education and training were critical for food production and household food security. In addition, education is essential for women to imagine and implement strategies and opportunities to gain employment and move up the commodity value chain. Furthermore, a specialised curriculum in technical subjects at primary and secondary levels targeting girls was essential for establishing a strong foundation for them. Adult education, especially in primary education courses targeting women, improves women's agriculture participation. Since women are the custodians of smallholder agriculture, gender transformative approaches such as tailor-made financial and leadership support are also critical for the socio-economic development of agriculture in South Africa.

Insights into Information Perception in Poultry Farming Systems

Indian poultry industry has found to be more structured and evolved as a dynamic organization in last two decades. Planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and controlling can profoundly be seen. Indian poultry industry contributes significantly to total livestock sectors contribution to India's GDP. India's poultry meat production is 3.4 million tons and its eggs production is sixty-five million tons and industry ranks second and third in worlds ranking in meat and eggs production respectively (FAO). The data was collected from stakeholders with the help of pretested interview schedule. The separate interview schedule was prepared for broiler farmers (100 samples), breeder farmers (10 samples) and processing cum distribution centers (20 samples). The study revealed that the majority of the poultry farmers, 63 per cent were aged between 35 to 54 years. Young generation farmers, aged between 20 to 34 years, 37 per cent, seemed lesser interested in poultry farming. In addition, women farmers were on only 3 per cent out of total sample farmers surveyed. It is indicative of the need for the promotion of poultry farming as a source of women empowerment. Almost 81 per cent farmers stated that poultry farming is their main occupation and major source of income where they have fulltime business commitment. Among the sample farmers, majority of, 52 per cent, were new entrant. The majority of farmers, 54 per cent, were rearing 5000 to 9999 birds at their farm and they were classified under medium-sized poultry farms. The average area of small farms was 2785.71 sq. ft., medium farm was 5886.89 sq. ft. and large farms was 18403 sq. ft. All the sample farmers had permanent housing (100 per cent) with pucca flooring (90 per cent). Almost 81 per cent farmers had their poultry shades in agriculture farms.

Implementation of solopreneurship in women farmers groups (KWT) with utilization of local food to improve food security and family economy

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the economic and business sectors in Indonesia. The pandemic has affected household food security not only in the economic sector but also in the household sector. The number of households experiencing food insecurity has increased as they cannot meet their food needs. In Sleman Regency, a forum for women farmer's groups (KWT) sells local food. One quite active is in Moyudan and Minggir Region, but the sales are not optimal, and not all have received training. Therefore, this study aims to see changes in KWT's knowledge, improve their marketing after training, and increase their economic status. Methods: This research was conducted in Sleman Regency, DIY. The training target involved the KWT in Moyudan and Minggir Region forums. We collected primary data from KWT characteristics (24 groups) and pre-post-test scores for each training (46 and 27 participants). The activities include 1) socialization of the program and bazaar of KWT products; 2) training of KWT; 3) packaging design and accompaniment; and 4) developing module training. Results: Most of KWT produces dry foods, such as vegetable and fruit chips, and shredded. Most of KWT's businesses (75.0%) are still running, although some have stopped due to difficulty in promotion during the pandemic. The obstacles experienced by KWT were using technology, arranging home industry food permits (P-IRT), and marketing. Training 1 and 2 pre-tests and post-test results increased only a little since the participants already had good knowledge (62.5% and 85.5% mainly answered correctly). However, many participants still answered incorrectly regarding the halal certification and food licensing. Ten KWTs succeeded in designing product logos and were assisted in making new, more attractive designs. Conclusion: The accompaniment can help KWT maximize its potential to improve the community's economic status.

RURAL WOMEN FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN BAUCHI AND TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BAUCHI STATE

The Study analyzed rural women farmers’ participation in agricultural cooperative societies in Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State. A Multi-Stage Sampling Technique was used to select 195 women farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the average age of women farmers was 36.5 years and majority (55.4%) were married with an average household size of 13 persons. While most (81.0%) had crop farming as primary occupation and (29.1%) of the farmers had attained secondary education. The results showed that women farmers had average farming experience of 13 years with an average farm size of 6.6 hectares. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.723 implying that 72.3% of the variation participation in cooperative societies in the study accounted by the factors included in the model. Education, household size, membership duration, extension visit and access to credit were significant at p<0.001 in the level of participation while, primary occupation, amount of loan obtained and adult education were significant at p<0.05. Constraints affecting agricultural activities were; high cost of inputs (66.4%), inadequate capital (82.8%), and high cost of labour (91.1%). The study concluded that, It was discovered from the study that the majority of the women farmers were not too aged, meaning they are still active and productive, they were mainly married and were literate at least up to primary education level. However, their participation is limited by pressure from household head in the study. The study recommended that, cooperative principles like continuous education and training should be arranged in order to improve women’s participation in cooperative activities. More female extension workers should be trained to help female farmers.

Ergonomics assessment of drudgery in rice-wheat production system in India: a case study of women farmers

Farm women are often forced to work in extremely hazardous conditions due to their limited access to improved agricultural technologies. This circumstance makes agricultural work physically demanding, requiring significant physiological effort and the maintenance of good posture. It is also very exhausting, time-consuming, and stressful. The study was designed to evaluate and quantify the drudgery involved in the rice-wheat production system for rural women. Three replications of a 10-min work cycle without a break were used to assess the physiological and postural demands of various farm tasks on the female workers. Observations were recorded on farm women workers who were in normal health, without any major illness, and regularly involved in farm operations. In the attempt to obtain and analyze the prioritized drudgery experiences in crop production activities through drudgery assessment and reduction, various ergonomically sound farm tools and implements were provided for crop cultivation and intercultural operations. Data indicating musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed by ergonomics assessment of postural and biomechanical assessments using the Human Physical Drudgery Index (HPDI), resulting in the maximum drudgery reflecting very high risk in transplanting (48.4%), followed by threshing (47.2%), load carrying (46.00%), and harvesting (45.14%). For physiological ergonomics quantifications, the most drudgery-prone activities in the rice-wheat production system, i.e., transplanting, harvesting, threshing & post-harvest, and load carrying, were evaluated, and it was found that drudgery is caused by different activities with reflects working energy expenditure rate ranging from ~7.00 to 12.00 (kJ/min) and total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) ~ 331.00 to 524.00. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to drive relationships between energy expenditure rate (dependent variable) and other independent variables, such as age, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), skinfold measurements, body density (D), % body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass (kg). It was found that energy expenditure rate during various crop production practices is positively correlated with independent variables (R = 0.721, R2 = 0.520, Adjusted R2 = 0.518, Standard Error of Estimate = 0.0324, Durbin-Watson = 1.531). It was found that with higher physiological parameters, the corresponding energy expenditure is maximized relating to the drudgery in respective agricultural activities. The present study addressed the magnitude of drudgery for women farmers in the rice-wheat production system and its mitigation strategy.

Managing Extreme Climatic Variability: A Study of Rice Based Farming in Assam, India

Assam has been experiencing the adverse effects of climate change and its most common manifestation is the increasing frequency of extreme flood in the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Lakhimpur and Dhemaji are the two districts that have been subjected to severe flood every year and in recent years have been experiencing soil erosion, sand-silt deposition in rice growing areas. The present study was therefore attempted in these two districts to find out the impact of extreme events in agriculture and social activities of the farmers in flood affected areas and to find out their responses and coping mechanisms during extreme climate variability. The result of the study revealed that both men and women farmers have been experiencing changes in the weather patterns with longer duration of hotter days and shorter duration of cold days. They have been experiencing frequent drought and frequent flood accompanied by soil erosion, sand and silt deposition in their rice fields affecting their farming activities. The area and production of rice/pulses/oilseeds had decreased to a great extent due to sand-silt deposition. During extreme flood livestock and fish production also decreased due to diseases and decreasing swampy areas/ponds. Availability of food, fodder and fuel had been affected for which the time taken for collecting fodder and fuel has increased. The impact of extreme climate events resulted in increasing indebtedness, wage labour, migration of young men in search of employment and school dropout of children. In response to such extreme climate events farmers had learned to adapt themselves through diversified farming by branching out into livestock production, change in cropping pattern, increasing the area of rabi crops cultivation, adopting non-farm activities such as wage labour in neighbouring districts/states, shop keeping, fishing and selling dry fish etc. women have adopted non-farm activities such as weaving, fishing and selling local brew. The priority adaptation needs of these men and women farmers are stress tolerant varieties of rice in flood affected areas, stress tolerant crops in sand deposited areas, training on scientific crop and livestock production, poultry etc. Women need training on improved techniques of loom and designing so as to fetch good price of their products as well as livestock and poultry production.

Economic Benefit from Nutrigarden to Farmwomen of Wanaparthy District, Telangana, India

Nutri-garden is an important concept that helps to combat malnutrition by producing diverse kinds of vegetables for rural families. YFA-KVK, Mahabubnagar-I demonstrated the Nutrigarden concept amongst 100 families of three mandals namely Madanapuram Kothkota and Wanaparthy of Wanaparthy district. The present study was taken-up to analyze the economic impact of the Nutrigarden along with perceived constraints faced by the farmwomen. The demonstrations on Nutrigarden improved their understanding in successful adoption of the concept. The total beneficiaries covered were 100 with an area of 1000sq.meters each, which accounts to 10 ha. as a whole. From this said area farm women as a whole were able to generate a total amount of Rs. 30592.09/- from kharif vegetables and Rs. 26604.78/- from rabi vegetables. Therefore, the total income from vegetable was Rs. 57196.87/- from an area 10 ha. Including both the seasons excluding home consumption. Besides, there are few perceived constraints in successful adoption of Nutrigarden. Overall analysis revealed that time consuming, lack of backyard and front yard space availability for Nutrigarden, Unaware of the economic advantage of Nutrigarden and lack of knowledge on pest and disease management were amongst the major constraints as perceived by farmwomen.