Gender Disparity in the Utilization of Agricultural Extension Services in Bure Woreda, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Globally, rural women face a particular burden in division of labor. Providing better agricultural extension services to rural women is essential in using agriculture for development. Hence, this study sought to ascertain the status of agricultural extension services utilization with the existing gender gaps in Bure Woreda, North Western Ethiopia. The survey was conducted in three purposively selected PKAs which have the maximum number of FHHs. Thus 160 samples were selected via multistage random sampling. Pre-tested structured interview schedule and other secondary sources were used to collect primary and secondary data, respectively. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions helped to generate the necessary qualitative data. Frequency, means, standard deviation, t-test and chi-square were used for analysis. The core survey result showed that on average 60.76% MHHs and only 29.71% FHHs utilized the selected agricultural extension services in the last three years (2009/10-2011/12). The analysis result depicted gender differences related to FHHs which include illiteracy, less ownership of productive resources plus less utilization of extension services. Therefore, adult education, efficient extension service systems, intervention to improve livestock sector via livestock credit, creating strong linkage with extension contacts, and giving reasonable place for women in farmers’ organizations were strongly recommended to boost agricultural development in the study area.