Analysis of Gender Role in Agricultural Production and Disparity in Extension Services: A Study in Awbare Woreda, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The study analyzed the gender role and disparity in agricultural production and extension services between female- headed and male-headed households in Awbare woreda of Somali regional state. Its specifically aimed 1) To examine the role of gender in agricultural production in Awbare woreda.;2) To assess the access to and control over the agricultural benefits between Men and women in Awbare woreda.;3) To investigate the existing gender disparities on agricultural production and extension services in Awbare woreda. The study was conducted in Awbare woreda in which three kebeles selected purposively. out of 48 agropastoral kebeles in woreda six kebeles were selected purposively, by using systematic random sampling technique 154 respondents were selected (74 male house hold heads and 80 Female house hold heads). The collected data was both quantitative and qualitative, where quantitative data
analyzed by descriptive statics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statics (Chi-square and Independent t-test) and qualitative data was analyzed by using content analysis. The analysis investigated that Male respondents participate agricultural extension activities than Female respondents. In the study Males has better access to and control over resources/ benefits than Females. In the result of study Male respondents have higher role of agricultural production activities than female (crop and livestock production activities) while Female respondents have a role on livestock production activities only like, marketing of milk and milk products, selling small animals (goats, sheep, hens, donkey, etc.). Creation awareness trainings towards women farmers and increasing female DA would make extension systems more gender sensitive and can encourage women’s role in farm activities.