DETERMINANTS OF RURAL WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN kERSA DISTRICT, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Vegetable plays a significant role in enhancing food security and generates income for the poor farmers of Ethiopia. This study examined the determinants of rural women participation in vegetable production in Kersa district, Oromia Regional State. The objectives of this study were to analyze the status of women participation in vegetable production activities, determine the factors influencing women’s participation in vegetable production and explore the constraints rural women face in vegetable production. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 222 sample household women: 100 vegetable grower households and 122 non-growers. Both primary and secondary data were used. Secondary data were collected from review of related literatures and documents. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions, interview schedule and observation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of sample or data as well as to compare participant and non participant of women headed household in vegetable production with respect to explanatory vari ables. In addition, binary logit regression model was used to examine the determinant factors tht influenced the participation of women in vegetable production. The results of binary logit regression model showed that, average annual income, landholding size, household education, frequency of extension contact, access to credit, and irrigation access were found to be significantly and positively affected the women participation in vegetable production while age, distance from nearest market and time spent in domestic activities were significantly and negatively influenced women participation in vegetable production. Therefore the study findings suggests that stake holders and District Agriculture and Natural Resource office should focus on improving educational level of women, develop and expand the accessibility of rural infrastructure to create opportunity for agricultural inputs and extension agents should make readjustment of serves program for contacting rural women and creating favorable access to irrigation and local government need to encourage women to participate in vegetable production.