Socio - Cultural factors affecting women’s participation in planning of agricultural projects the case of Mvomero District Morogoro
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Date
2007
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The objectives of this study aimed to identify socio- cultural factors which hinder
women's participation in planning of agricultural projects, determine gender division of
labour and working hours, and identify who has control and access to resources among
men and women as well as determining the decision-making process between men and
women. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to obtain
representative sample. A total of 120 respondents were involved out of which, 79 were
women and 41 men. A questionnaire and check list was used to obtain information from
individuals and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). SPSS was employed for data entry and
analysis. Study findings showed no relationship between division of labour and working
hours as well as control and access to resources. A slight relation was in decision- making
at household level and women's participation in agricultural projects planning. A chi-
square was used to test the level of significance (P< 0.05). The socio- cultural factors
identified were; patriarchy system (traditional beliefs), restricted by their husbands, many
responsibilities (reproductive and production roles) and lack of confidence. These were the
major factors which hindered women's participation in planning of agricultural projects.
Moreover, the study revealed that, only few women participated in planning of agricultural
projects compared to men. The study concludes that, participation of women in
agricultural projects planning is influenced by socio- cultural factors. However, the study
recommends that, government leaders in the communities should ensure that planning of
agricultural projects is more gender focused. This could be possible through sensitization
using education on gender issues, aiming to empower women to participate more in the
planning process. The Sectoral Lead Ministries should formulate appropriate strategies
for women to participate in planning of agricultural projects. The National Agricultural
Research System (NARS) should ensure that women and men arc equally involved in the
client oriented approach to research planning, and planners should also ensure that women
arc integrated throughout the planning process.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Socio - Cultural factors, Factors affecting women’s, Women’s participation in planning, Planning of agricultural, Mvomero District