Abstract:
This study set out to analyze the women participation in crop production decision making in Misrak Badewacho Woreda, Hadiya Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. The aim of the
study was based on two objectives. First, to assess the level of women's participation in
crop production decision-making activities at the intrahousehold level and Second,to
identify factors influencing women’s participation in crop production decision making. A random sampling method was used to select 120 sample respondents for
this study. The pre-tested structured interview schedule was used to collect primary
data. Key informant interviews and focused group discussions were also used to
gather necessary qualitative data. The study employed simple descriptive and
inferential statistical analysis (such as frequency, percentage, and chi-square test)
and an econometric model (ordered logit model). The ordered logit model analysis
result revealed that age, education, contact with extension agents, participation in
community affairs and participation in agricultural training programs have
significant and positive influence on women participation in crop production decision making, where as family size has significant and negative influence on rural women
participation in the study area at different significant levels. The main identified
women constraints are workload and time shortage, lack of practical training, lack of
awareness, male dominance and cultural influences. Therefore, Improving
participation of women farmers in various areas of agricultural training programs,
involvement in different communal affairs, improved literacy rate, creating strong
linkage with extension contacts is the best option for empowering women for better
participation in crop production decision-making
