Participation of Women Farmers in Agriculture Training(A Sociological Study Based on Mustang District, Nepal)

Abstract

Participation issues in agriculture development are the areas of concern at national, regional and district levels of the country. The word participation has been used in highly variable ways. In this study, participation is used with the involvement of women farmers in extension services (training) and decision making in group activities. This study was carried out to assess the socio-economic condition of women farmer involved in agriculture, to assess the participation status of women farmers in agriculture training in the group approach, to assess the role of women farmers in decision making and resource utilization in farmers group and to assess the constraints faced by women farmers in participating training and methods to over come them.The research was conducted in Mustang district of Nepal during the year 2013/14.The eight farmers groups (four women farmers group and four mixed group) from 20 farmers' group of pocket areas were selected purposively. Six female farmers from each group were selected randomly by simple random sampling method.Therefore a total of 48 women farmers were selected as respondent for the study purpose. Primary data were collected through interview schedule, key informant interview and focus group discussion.Review of records, research reports, different journal, published and unpublished papers were also used to collect secondary data.The data obtained from research were analyzed, presented and interpreted by using simple statistical tools such as frequency counts, percent, graphs, pie-chart, table and graphical interpretations by using excel software.Gender theory was followed to interpret the finding of the research on the basis of reviewed literature. The finding showed that the average age of the respondents was found 35 years and majorities were from 30 to 40 years.Majorities (33.3%) of the respondents were illiterate which makes them difficult for the acceptance of technology and innovation.75% respondents in study area were found janajati and they are Buddhists.It was found that only 25%women respondents were household head while 75%household head are male.70%of the respondents have agriculture as their major occupation. In majorities (52%) of respondent's household, involvement of female in agriculture labor is more compared to male (16.7%). Control over income from agriculture by women is very few (16.6%)and in 83.3%of household, the ownership of house and land is on male.