GAUGING WOMEN’S INTEREST AND ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ADOPTION OF BIO-CONTROL AGENTS FOR CONTROL OF PARTHENIUM INFESTATION IN TULLO DISTRICT, WEST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The economies of most rural communities in Ethiopia depend on agriculture. Despite agriculture being the main source of income for farmers, the introduction of invasive alien species such as Parthenium weed is among the many factors that affect agricultural production and productivity of the farmer and it acts against its sustainability. This study aimed at gauging women’s interest and ability to participate in the adoption of bio-control agents for control of Parthenium infestation in Tullo district. Assessing pre-conditions necessary for women to adopt bio-control agents, investigatingthe existence of the preconditions to adopt bio-control agents of Parthenium control and identifying gender factors affecting women’s interest and ability to participate in the release and management of biocontrol agents against Parthenium in the study area were the specific objectives of the study. For the study, 130 women were selected randomly from the selected kebeles, 20 focus group discussants and 10 subject matter specialists were also the sources of information for the study. To collect data, interview schedule, key informants interview and focus group discussions were used. Primary data were collected from respondents, focus group participants and key informants. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and the qualitative data were explained. Although Parthenium has many side effects in human and animal health, traditionally it is used for medicinal and house cleaning purpose. Bio-control methods of Parthenium infestation were not available and not known in the study area. However, all of the information sources communicated showed interest and motivation to cooperate, to adopt and use this approach of Parthenium control. Trainings, inputs and incentives were some of the pre-conditions necessary for women to adopt bio-control agents against Parthenium invasion. Due to their social and reproductive responsibilities, women were prohibited from taking part in the trainings given to them because of the training centers. Providing adult education and trainings, creating awareness, facilitating experience sharing among the farmers and conducting trainings for women in the nearest places were very important to overcome the gap. The bio-agents should not have any contradiction to the culture and religion of the community and they should not have any side effects on the environment, non-targeted crops, and human and animal health. As the traditional control methods were not successful, a joint effort of stakeholders mainly farmers, agriculture office, research institutes, academic institutions and projects like IPM- IL(Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab)Parthenium project and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations is necessary for implementing bio-control agents on this invasive alien weed to ensure better production in the area