Perception of Gender Mainstreaming in Agricultural Extension in Fogera Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Gender is a key analytic category for understanding global economic processes and gender mainstreaming is the core strategy to eliminate gender inequalities. Despite the increasing appreciation of gender and gender mainstreaming which is decisive for women and men equal participation in development, the concept of gender mainstreaming is not always understood in the same fashion. Perception of gender mainstreaming by various community members in the agriculture sector is not known. This study was designed to heave light on the perception gender concern in Agricultural sector which include workers and farmers. Two stage sampling procedure was employed to select 4 Peasant Associations (PA’s) out of 27 PA’s in the Woreda and 140 sample households from these 4 PA’s using simple random sampling techniques. In addition, 22 Agriculture and Rural Development workers were selected by using simple random sampling methods irrespective of sex. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were described, interpreted and appreciated. Likert type scales were developed to measure both types of perceptual statements. The findings indicated that lack of clear ideas on the concepts of gender and gender mainstreaming among Agricultural and Rural Development workers. There was a significant difference between farmers and Agricultural and Rural Development workers regarding their perception towards gender and gender mainstreaming, moderately female farmers have higher degree of perception than male farmers in rural areas. Relatively female workers have higher degree of perception than male workers in Agricultural and Rural Development workers. Agricultural and rural development workers and farmers in general should be exposed to intensive gender sensitization and training on improving outreach to female farmers.