Contributions of Ethiopian Women in Farming and Its Allied Fields

Abstract

Women are active participants in almost every aspect of agricultural activity around the world. However, due to the deep-rooted gender division of labor in developing countries, their contribution is underestimated. Despite having the fastest growing economy in the world, Ethiopia is still one of the poorest nations. It is vulnerable to weather-related shocks and suffers from widespread food insecurity, particularly among rural populations and smallholder farmers. In Ethiopia, women farmers perform 75 percent of farm labor, which accounts for 70 percent of household food production, but they typically produce up to 35 percent less than male farmers because they have less access to extension services. Therefore, the study focused on reflecting on the role of women in Ethiopian agriculture. This study was conducted at Oda Dawt Kebele, Teyo District, Arsi Zone, and the Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to identify and examine the role of women in agriculture. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to collect data from primary and secondary sources. The researcher used a simple random sampling technique and chose 405 women as the sample size. The questionnaires were written in English for data collection and then translated into the local Afan Oromo language for easier comprehension by respondents. The data collected was also analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques. The main objectives of this evidence-based study were to identify and examine the role of women in agriculture and related sectors. The study results suggest that women play an important role in farming activities that are underestimated. In general, the study emphasizes the importance of the male and female workforce for the economic or agricultural sector. Recognition of the roles and contributions of women in social and economic development, particularly by planners and policymakers, to improve the status of women and increase food security at household and national levels. The purpose of this study is to highlight the important role of women in agricultural activities as the number of studies on the role of women in agriculture increases. In addition, the results of this research could be useful for planners, decision-makers, and practitioners as effective use of women's labor power are required. In general, the study discovers or emphasizes the importance of the female labor force, as opposed to the male labor force, in contributing to the economic activity of the agricultural sector.