ROLE OF RURAL WOMEN IN HOMESTEAD AGROFORESTRY IN KALIHATI UPAZILA UNDER TANGAIL DISTRICT
MS THESIS
MOHAMMAD MAZEDUL HASAN AKAND
DEPARTMENT OF AGROFORESTRY
BANGLADESH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
MYMENSINGH
MAY 2006
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All praises are due to Almightily the merciful “Allah” Who created every thing in the universe and Who enabled the author to complete this piece of research work.
The author does not have adequate words to express heartfelt sense of gratification and sincere appreciation to his honorable teacher and research supervisor Dr. M. Nazrul Islam, Associate Professor, Graduate Training Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for his invaluable guidance, continuous suggestions, scholastic supervision and continuous encouragement in planning and implementing this research work and preparing the manuscript of the thesis.
The author also wishes to express deepest since of gratitude and profound appreciation to his honorable research co-supervisor Professor Dr. G. M. Mujibur Rahman,, Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for his generous guidance, valuable suggestions, constructive criticism, and precious advice for successful completion of this research work and preparation of the thesis.
Special appreciation and the warmest gratitude are extended to his reverend teacher Professor Dr. M. Abul Hossain, Kazi Kamrul Islam and Kazi Liaquat Hossain, Lecturer, Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for their helpful suggestions, instructions, inspiration and encouragement during the course of the study.
Specially thanks are due to Uapzila Agricultural Officer, Block Supervisor and the rural women of the study area, they gave their valuable time for interview during the collection of data.
The author sincerely desires to express his heartful gratitude to his Late father Md. Amiruzzaman Akand and beloved mother Mrs. Rowson Ara, who worked from dawn to dusk only to educate her children.
Grateful thanks are expressed to all of his loving friends, especially Sakhawat, Shohel, Masud, Porag, Rashid, Fahid for their direct and indirect help through out the study.
With the pleasure, the author wishes to acknowledge the healthy working relationship and friendliness with the Office Staff, Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh through out their period of the study.
Finally, the author expresses his heart squeezed gratitude to his brothers and sisters who inspired him and sacrificed a lot for carrying out this higher studies.
The Author
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to determine the role of women in homestead agroforestry and to explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry.
Ten villages of Kalihati upazila in Tangail district were selected as locale of the study. Out of 66145 house hold families 100 rural women were selected as the sample for the study. Data were collected with the help of a interview schedule from the selected rural women during 25 February to 15 April 2006. The role performance of rural women in homestead agroforestry practices was measured on the basis of scores obtained through 10 statements, each of those put against a 4 point scale on high, medium, low and not at all, and the corresponding weight assigned as 3, 2, 1 and 0, respectively. The range of scores could vary from 0 to 30. Where 0 indicating no role while 30 for highest level of role performance.
The highest proportion (88%) of the rural women had medium role in homestead agroforestry activities while 7% and 5% had low and high role in homestead agroforestry activities respectively. Correlation analysis showed that educational qualification, family size, family farm size, family annual income, socio economic condition, knowledge about homestead agroforestry, extension media contact had significantly positive relationship with role of women in homestead agroforestry activities.
Lack of quality seed and seedlings for homestead cultivation, lack of good poultry breed, diseases of poultry, infestation of insect pest, lack of credit facilities, social barrier, lack of training facilities, lack of knowledge on controlling insect pest and diseases, lack of vaccination facilities of poultry, poor extension services and lack of information in proper time were the major problems in practicing homestead agroforestry.
LIST OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT vi
LIST OF CONTENTS vii
LIST OF TABLES xi
LIST OF FIGURES xii
LIST OF APPENDICES xiii
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6
2.1 Concepts of homestead, agroforestry and homestead agroforestry 6
2.2 Importance of homestead agroforestry 9
2.3 Socio-economic consequence of homestead 12
2.4 Participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry 13
3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 22
3.1 Geographical location of the study area 22
3.1.1 Soil 22
3.1.2 Climate 25
3.1.3 River system 25
3.1.4 Land use patterns 25
3.2 Variables of the study 26
3.2.1 Measurement of independent variables 26
3.2.1.1 Age 26
3.2.1.2 Level of education 26
3.2.1.3 Family size 27
3.2.1.4 Family farm size 27
3.2.1.5 Homestead size 27
3.2.1.6 Family Annual income 28
3.2.1.7 Socio-economic condition 28
3.2.1.8 Knowledge about homestead agroforestry 28
3.2.1.9 Organizational participation 29
3.2.1.10 Extension media contact 29
3.2.2 Measurement of dependent variable 30
3.3 Research hypothesis, development of instrument, data collection
and data analysis 30
3.3.1 Research hypothesis 30
3.3.2 Site selection and sampling procedure 30
3.3.3 Development of data collection instrument 31
3.3.4 Pre-testing of the interview schedule 31
3.3.5 Data collection 32
3.3.6 Data analysis 32
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 33
4.1 Selected characteristics of the rural women 33
4.1.1 Age 34
4.1.2 Education level 35
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.
4.1.3 Family size 36
4.1.4 Family farm size 36
4.1.5 Homestead size 37
4.1.6 Family annual income 38
4.1.7 Distribution of respondents according to their
socio-economic aspects 40
4.1.8 Knowledge about homestead agroforestry of the rural women 40
4.1.9 Organizational participation of the rural women 44
4.1.10 Extension media contact 45
4.2 Role of women in homestead agroforestry activities 47
4.3 Relationship between the selected characteristics of the rural
women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 49
4.3.1 Relationship between age of respondents and role of rural
women in homestead agroforestry activities 51
4.3.2 Relationship between level of education of the rural
women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry
activities 51
4.3.3 Relationship between family size of the rural women
and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 52
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.
4.3.4 Relationship between family farm size of the rural women and
role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 53
4.3.5 Relationship between homestead size of the respondents and
role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 54
4.3.6 Relationship between family annual income of the rural farmers
and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 55
4.3.7 Relationship between socio-economic aspects of the rural women
and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 55
4.3.8 Relationship between knowledge about homestead agroforestry
of the respondents and the role of rural women in
homestead agroforestry activities 56
4.3.9 Relationship between organizational participation of the rural
women and their role in homestead agroforestry activities 57
4.3.10 Relation between extension contact of the respondents and
role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities 58
4.4 Problems faced by the rural women in participating homestead
agroforestry 59
5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 62
REFERENCES 69
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE TITLE PAGE NO.
4.1 Basic statistical values of the selected characteristics (N = 100) 34
4.2 Distribution of respondents according to their age 35
4.3 Distribution of respondents according to their level of education 35
4.4 Distribution of respondents according to their family size 36
4.5 Distribution of respondents according to their family farm size 37
4.6 Distribution of respondents according to their homestead size 37
4.7 Distribution of respondents according to their family annual income 38
4.8 Distribution of the rural women according to their
socio-economic aspects 40
4.9 Distribution of the rural women according to their knowledge about homestead agroforestry 41
4.10 Distribution of the rural women according to their organizational participation 44
4.11 Distribution of the rural women according to their Extension media contact 45
4.12 Distribution of the rural women according to role on homestead agroforestry activities 47
4.13 The meaning of correlation coefficient 49
4.14 Relationship between the selected characteristics or the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry (N = 100) 50
4.15 Rank order of the problems faced by the rural women 59
4.16 Probable, solutions the problems in relation to perform different agroforestry activities 61
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE TITLE PAGE NO.
3.1 A map of Bangladesh showing Tangail district and another one showing the study area 23
3.2 Map of Kalihati Upazila showing selected villages of study area 24
4.1 Distribution of respondents according to their family annual income
4.2 Distribution of the rural women according to their socio-economic aspects
4.3 Distribution of the rural women according to their knowledge about homestead agroforestry
4.4 Distribution of the rural women according to their extension media contact
4.5 Distribution of the rural women according to role on homestead agroforestry activities
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX TITLE PAGE NO.
I English version of the questionnaire 81
II Correlation between dependent and independent variables 87
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Women are considered as untapped national resources and society would benefit more if were given the opportunity to use their unique talents. Meaningful development can be expected if women are participated both in their traditional domestic role as well as productive role in a more planned way in technological sound activities.
About 48 percent of the huge population of Bangladesh is female (BBS, 2004). About 85 percent of her population lives in rural areas and 75 percent of her working population are engaged in agriculture. Moreover a vast number of rural people are landless and about 55 percent of the landowner are small farmers. The country is striving hard to feed her teaming millions. Overall food shortage is the salient feature of the country. To mitigate the situation, food production should be increased. But vertical increase is the only option as there is no scope for horizontal increase of food production.
In the present context of Bangladesh, agricultural activities may be broadly classified into two subsystems, namely the field production based agricultural sub-system and the homestead based agricultural sub-system which is known as homestead agroforestry. The important components of the homestead agricultural sub-system include back yard gardening for cultivation of vegetables and fruits, homestead forestry, livestock farming, poultry rising and fish culture in the ponds etc. According to Bangladesh Census of Agriculture and Livestock 1983-84, there were about 12.7 million rural households. Homestead constitutes about 5% of the total cultivated area of 8.4 million hectares. The size of individual homestead ranges on average between 0.004 to 0.08 hectares (Solaiman, 1988). Homestead agriculture plays an important role for the 62 percent of the total farmers in Bangladesh who are landless. As majority of them do not have separate land for cultivation other than the homestead and have very limited resources, fertilizer, irrigation based improved technology for major cereals are not much value to them. Homestead agroforestry system is likely to provide hope to these poor landless farmers for their survival and existence because of secured supply of food. Akanda (1994) stated that homestead agroforestry may be lifeboat for their survival and existence because of secured supply of food and petty cash.
The homestead agroforestry is basically the domain of female members of the households. According to some historians, women first initiated agricultural practices. They first domesticated crops and developed art and sciences of farming. Women played significant and crucial role in agricultural development in the allied fields including crop production, livestock production, horticulture, post harvest operations, agro and social forestry and fisheries.
In a developing country like Bangladesh, it can not be denied that underutilized rural women labour force can contribute successfully and significantly to the economic development of the nation. Rural women are mostly underutilized and largely unrecognized though they contribute significantly to agricultural and non-agricultural productive and service-oriented activities.
In a prevalent subsistence agricultural economy and traditional society in Bangladesh the role of women may be termed as domestic and hence they have to perform mostly such function as can be performed within the homestead. Though their activities are not less important, their contributions are conspicuous. They make these contributions by adopting various practices under homestead agroforestry. In Bangladesh women are generally not habituated in working outside and their movement is mostly restricted to the homestead area (FSRDP, 1990). Halim (1987) reported that the women are potential producers of the homestead agroforestry products and through their adoption of intensive homestead production, they may contribute to the national economy to increase the GDP coming from agriculture. From the above discussion we can realize that to increase agricultural production, due weight should be given to the increasing involvement of women in materializing homestead agroforestry activities and programmes.
The importance of homestead production activities is not a new thought in the country. It is needed for increasing food shortage, malnutrition and unemployment (Halim and Islam, 1988). In Bangladesh due to limited cultivable area, there is little scope for bringing more land under cultivation. Consequently, families are using their dwelling houses as agricultural land for scarcity of fallow land. Since small farm holders do not have enough land for raising field crops, they should be assisted and encouraged to increased production in the homestead area. Poultry raising should be given high priority since it alone contributes almost 51 percent of total homestead income. The specific contribution of the production of homestead crops may be visualized in terms of poverty alleviation.
Homestead agroforestry gives an ample scope of extra income especially for the poor. Moreover, it gives an opportunity of employment especially for the women who are generally not permitted to work outside their home. Thus it can contribute an important role in rural poverty alleviation. Homestead agroforestry also provides scope of diversification and lowers the risks. It makes with the best utilization of family labour and additional space around the home.
It is said that women are the key operators of household as well as homestead agricultural production activities. Women do work and often do more work than men. Among the female members, housewives are the most active ones who work 10 hours a day compared to 8.55 hours by a male (Halim and Hossain, 1993). Farouq (1980) reported that women’s productive hour ranged from 10 to 14 a day compared to men’s such hour from 9 to 12. Halim (1987) reported that the women are potential producers of the homestead agricultural products and through their participation in intensive homestead production they increase the GDP coming from agriculture. So in a country like Bangladesh more involvement of women in agriculture particularly homesteads agriculture becomes a mandatory to combat the overall food shortage, malnutrition and also to boost up economic development of the country.
It is important to have a clear understanding of present status of homestead agroforestry and the extent of activities of rural women in homestead agroforestry. Such understanding and knowledge are very important to make a programme on homestead agroforestry successful. For such understanding the researchers sought the answers of some research questions. What is the role of rural women in different homestead agroforestry activities? What relationship exists between the selected characteristics of the rural women and their role performance in homestead agroforestry? What is the present utilization pattern of the homestead area? What are the problems they face in participation homestead agroforestry activities? In order to give proper direction of the study the following specific objectives were put forward:
i) To determine and describe some of the selected characteristics of the rural women. The characteristics were: age, level of education, family size, family farm size, homestead size, family annual income, socio-economic condition, knowledge about homestead agroforestry, organizational participation and extension media contact.
ii) To determine the level of participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry.
iii) To explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry activities.
iv) To find out the problems faced by rural women in practicing homestead agroforestry.
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The present study is concerned with the participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry in a selected area. This chapter deals with the review of past studies and findings related to the present study. In face, very few research works have been done so far on participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry in Bangladesh. The researcher, therefore, made exhaustive effort to review the previous research works directly or indirectly related to the present study by different researchers in home and abroad. Literatures reviewed are presented below in four major sections. In the first section concept of homestead, agroforestry and homestead agroforestry, in the second section importance of homestead agroforestry, in the third section socioeconomic consequences of homestead and in the fourth section participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry review are presented.
2.1 Concepts of homestead, agroforestry and homestead agroforestry
Homestead is one of the most elaborate systems of indigenous agroforestry, found most often in tropical and sub-tropical areas where subsistence land use system predominate. Homestead may be said in other words home garden.
According to Ninaz (1998) homestead refers to home and adjoining land occupied by a family for the purposes like small scale agricultural production home up keeping, health, sanitation and nutrition.
Nair (1993) reported that today there is a consequence of opinion that agroforestry is practiced for a variety of objectives. These practices have been developed primarily in response to the special needs and conditions of tropical developing countries that have not been satisfactorily addressed by advances in environmental agriculture or forestry.
Fernandes and Nair (1990) stated that the term home garden could be any thing for growing vegetables behind houses to complex the multistoried systems. They defined the term as land use practices involving deliberate management of multipurpose trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual and perennial agricultural crops and invariably livestock within the compounds of individual houses, the whole crop tree animal unit being intensively managed by family labour.
Agroforestry has been practiced by many groups of people in various I ways under different condition over a long period of time, such as bush following taungya, alley cropping, fringe planting, green hedge and fences, afforestation blocks, protein banks, woody perennials for shelter, soil and water conservation as well as home gardens, cattle under many other
(Torquaebiae, 1990).
Agroforestry can provide a sound ecological basis for increased crops and animal productivity more dependable economic returns and greater diversity in social benefits on a sustainable basis (Saka et al., 1990).
Various authors used different terms to denote this practice. These include for example mixed garden horticulture (Terra, 1954), home garden (Ramasay and Wiresum, 1976), Kitchen garden (Brierly, 1976), household garden (Vasey, 1985) and homestead agroforestry (Leuschner and Khaleque, 1987).
Camacho (1987) stated homestead as land, ponds, houses, plants and animals, which are in continuous interaction with the farmer and his family fulfilling some of his daily household needs.
This definition was modified by Chandler (1986) “Agroforestry is sustainable land management system which increase the overall yield of the land combines the production of crops (including tree crops) and forest plants and/or animals simultaneously or sequentially on the same unit of land and applies management practices that are compatible with the cultural practices of the local population”. Agroforestry describes a method of raising forestry trees in combination with agricultural crops on the same piece of land (Enabor, 1973).
According to Lundgren and Raintree (1982) agroforestry is a collective name for all land use system and technologies where woody perennials
(trees, shrubs, bamboo etc.) are deliberately used on the same land management units as agricultural crops and/or animals in some form of spatial arrangement of temporal sequence. In agroforestry systems there are both ecological and economical interaction between the different components.
According to Nair (1979) agroforestry is a land use system that integrates trees crops and animals in a way that is scientifically sound ecologically, feasible and socially acceptable to the farmers.
According to Bene et al. (1977) agroforestry is a sustainable management system for land that increases overall production combines agricultural crops, tree crops and forest plant and/or animals simultaneously or sequentially and applies management practices that are compatible with the cultural patterns of the local population.
In general term, agroforestry is a system of land management where trees and agricultural crops and pastures are grown in the same management unit at the same time or sequentially. The term agroforestry was carried in the Philippines, and its first widely accepted definition was given by John Bene of Carola (Raintree, 1973).
2.2 Importance of homestead agroforestry
Wani et al. (2002) reported that medicinal and aromatic plants could be a source of sustained income to the inhabitants of hilly areas, Hakims and Pharmaceutical industries. They also suggested for adopting strategies to improve marketing channels and their impact on socio-economic conditions of the local communities.
Shrestha (2002) reported that trees retained in the middle of terrace riser and outside terrace on the edge were ranked first and second, respectively for soil conservation, fodder and fuel wood production.
Haque (1996) stated that most of the native fruits, country vegetables, fuel wood and timber come from homestead and marginal lands attached to or nearby homesteads.
Halladay and Gilmour (1995) mentioned that the home gardens have multiple functions in relation to everyday human life and environment and also act as a bridge between all living beings and non living environment. The main values derived from home garden are foods, energy for domestic use, source of nutrients,, fodder for domestic animal, medicinal products, timber for house construction, and a pleasant environment for dwellers.
Halim and Hossain (1994) reported that the vegetable raising did not generate any significant income within homestead because the space for vegetable production was very limited and most of the homestead areas were shaded by the trees.
Khandaker (1991) reported that agroforestry system is traditional in the homesteads of moist tropical world including rural areas of Bangladesh since the establishment of houses. This system could be considered as potential technology for rural poverty alleviation because of its diversified functions.
Linda (1990) mentioned that the high diversity of plant species in village home garden ensure continuous production of fruit and vegetables, fuel, timber, medicinal and cash crops.
Adegbehin et al. (1990) found that successful introduction of fast growing' exotic tree species and the increasing awareness of the multipurpose use of indigenous tree species, the potential of agroforestry for environment improvement and in sustaining increased output of food and forest produced in the savanna region needs to be exploited.
Aktar et al. (1989) pointed out that farmer also considered tree as savings and insurance against risk of crops failure and low yield, as well as assets for their children. Some farmers have mentioned tree would contribute towards expenses for marriage of their daughter.
Lai (1988) observed that application of appropriate technology for the management of homestead, create better living environment there.
Leuschner and Khaleque (1987) showed that the homestead agroforestry system is very important in the economy of Bangladesh as the homestead areas would cover more than three fourth of all matters concerned with agroforestry at large.
According to Hussain and Sailo (1987) scarcity of fuel wood is very common in Bangladesh. The present annual demand of fuel wood in the country stands in 2.04 million m3 and the timber at 0.92 million m3. Where as the supply is presently 0.61 million m3 resulting in a defaced of 1.42 million m3 of fuel wood and 0.16 million of m3 timber of the above supply, it is estimated that 88.5 percent of wood and 48.9 percent fuel wood will come from homestead forest.
According to Agarwal (1986) the exists of fuel wood relates to its country specificity, zone specificity and its rural urban implications, wood provides less than 1% of the energy in most developed countries as compared to more than 90% in the majority of the developing countries. From this statement, it is clear that the exists of fuel wood are acute in the developing world.
Byron (1984) observed in his study that the homesteads in Bangladesh provide 70 percent of timber, 90 percent of fuel wood and 90 percent bamboo per year.
Douglas (1982) in his study estimated that homestead forests provided about 85 percent of the all wood consumed, including nearly 90 percent of all fuel wood and 80 percent of all timber.
2.3 Socio-economic consequence of homestead
Jha (1999) conducted a survey in three villages of Tarapur block, Munger, Bihar, India on the resources of villages and socio-economic status of agroforestry adopting farmers and reported that farmers raising different crops under agroforestry systems were economically better and attained self sufficiency in fire wood and fodder.
Mazher (1996) pointed out a typical homestead agroforestry in Bangladesh provides and excellent opportunity for a number of economic activities to be undertaken in and around it. The homestead enterprises such as vegetables and fruits cultivation, fish farming, forest and poultry rearing can contribute to increased food availability and generate income of the rural farm families.
Okafor et al. (1987) mentioned that home garden provide numerous advantages, including diversified production, risk minimization, enhanced labour efficiency continuous production thereby minimizing post harvest losses due to poor storage facilities, better nutrient cycling and nutrient use efficiency compared with mono cropping systems and good soil conservation due to continuous grand cove. Much of the interest in home gardens has f6cused on their main function of producing subsistence items and generating addition income for the fanner. They are known for their stable yields, very rapid product on continuous or repeated, harvest round the year and low inputs (Soemarwato and Conway, 1991).
In India during the last two decades, the prices of agricultural commodities have in general increased by almost three to four times in the case of forestry products, e.g. timber, firewood and charcoal the prices have increased by fifteen to twenty times (Dwivedi, 1985).
Homestead is a low cost production system, which can contribute significantly to the household economy and food security. The homestead owners themselves consume a large proportion of the products of homesteads and the rest of the products are sold in the market. From several studied, it has been found that in the same area the gross income as well as net income from homestead was more than that from dry fields though less than that of rice fields. The amount of income derived from a homestead is primarily determined by crop composition in the garden although livestock, poultry and fishponds also contribute a lot. Income derived from homestead ranges from 0.8% to 54% of families total income (Abdullah et al., 1983).
The National Commission on Agriculture of India (1976) emphasized the socio-economic importance of social forestry in the rural community as well as in the management of forest resources. The report revealed that by taking up the program of raising trees, grass and fodder in the farmers own lands, village common, wasteland and degraded forests close to inhibitions it would be possible to meet the requirement of fuelwood, fodder, small timber of rural housing agricultural implement etc.
2.4 Participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry
Savita et al. (1998) reported that participation of rural women in agricultural activities was low except for daily farming, bee keeping and rabbit farming. Along with their major role in household activities, rural women engage in different economic activities such as food processing (25%), needle work (25%), shwal weaving (10%), dari weaving (15%, chappal making (10%) and preparation of detergents (15%) to supplement family income. The major constraints reported were: marketing problem, transport, procuring raw materials, lack of technical knowledge and no loan facilities.
Gopalappa (1997) reported that the respondent women were able to participate in the, new cropping pattern for sericulture on the household's land, and hence they no longer had to hire their labour out. It was concluded that their contribution to the household's agriculture was more greatly appreciated.
Karim and Wee (1996) mentioned that women were involved in seed collection, seed storage, water management, fertilizer application, daily maintenance and harvesting. In the case of tribal people, vegetables were growing mostly cared by women. Urban women were also eager to grow vegetables in the homestead.
Islam et al. (1996) studied women’s participation in some agricultural income generating activities like vegetable production, poultry, livestock and fish culture. The findings indicated that age and family size of participating women had no significant relationship with their extent of participation but education, mass media exposure, contact with extension agents, women respondents’ attitude and their husbands’ attitude were found to be significantly associated with women’s extent of participation in agricultural activities.
Ajayi (1995) performed analysis based on the descriptive examination of women’s agricultural activities in four Local Government Areas giving emphasis on market economy that features very prominently in national income accounting, the erroneous belief that most rural women do not make an appreciable contribution to crop production is undermined. He found that most women take part in planting, weeding, harvesting and post harvest activities of subsistence crops.
Islam and Dham (1994) reported that women member of the cooperator farm families participated in all the operations needed for homestead gardening whatsoever. It was a pleasure to note that women participation in two activities e.g. weeding and stalking was more than man and it was sole (100%) in works like irrigation and harvesting. It implied that there was scope for utilization of women labour in crop production activities that might help increase farm income as well as family nutrition intake.
Findings of Akanda’s (1994) study revealed that highest proportion of the rural women had high participation in vegetable cultivation while only 15 percent of them had high participation in the cultivation of fruit trees.
Vlassak (1993) mentioned that in third world countries, the role of women in agricultural production is extremely important. The tasks in agriculture as well as in food distribution and processing carried out by women show particular pattern. He also mentioned that agriculture can provide to women an income of their own, which is essential because of the increasing importance of money in developing countries. Women like to increase agricultural production, but their activities are being impeded in different ways.
Virdi (1993) mentioned that women in Bangladesh have almost always been associated with agriculture. They are involved in food gathering, food preparation, post-harvest activities, homestead gardening and more recently field agriculture. However, agriculture to recognize these activities as components has resulted in unsustainable extension net works service to the need of rural women in agriculture.
Sultana (1993) stated that homestead vegetables and fruits form an integral part of the family diet and a part of them enters the commercial market. Although every member of the family has some contribution, the major labour input was contributed by women. Most of the homestead agricultural activities, including seed preservation, land preparation, transplanting, watering and harvesting are done by women. Men usually help in fertilizer and pesticide application.
Hoon (1991) stated that women's participation is much greater in rice based, cropping system than in dry land farming. A comparison of women's participation in agriculture indicates that rice systems have traditionally used more female labour. In rice farming systems women contribute most of the labour in transplanting, weeding and harvesting. Their contribution is highest at more than 50% in India, Nepal, Indonesia and roughly 33% in South East Asian countries.
Halim (1990) stated that rural women in Bangladesh were active in productive works in household industry and even in marketing in addition to taking care of children, prepare and servicing food to other members of the family. They were also responsible for agricultural and non agricultural activities.
Akhter (1989) stated that women are involved in homestead agricultural production activities such as vegetables, fruits, timber, small animals
(goat, sheep) and poultry birds to supply food and to increase family income.
Veneracision et al. (1988) mentioned in their report that in the Philippines the women were involved in preparation, preservation of food e.g., natada coco, peanut butter, vinegar, salted eggs, papaya candies, pineapple jam, coconut oil and tomato ketch up. They also developed their skills in making basket, fan and soap. But women were unable to find a market for their produce, or had a little access to potential markets. Thus women activities remained confined within the home enterprise activities.
Hossain et al. (1988) reported that women constitute about 48% of the total population in Bangladesh. Even then, their role is not adequately reflected in the national census and development activities because of lack of necessary information and documentation oil homestead agriculture. It is, therefore, imperative to collect and document data by gender and by different socio economic classes for meaningful insight into the working pattern and contribution of women in homestead agriculture production system.
Gleason (1988) in his report mentioned that women in rural Taiwan were often farmers and worked with their male counter parts in almost all aspect of agricultural production. There were tendencies for women to perform certain tasks that men were likely to do and vice versa. The participation and non participation of women working on the farm appeared to have a pronounced effect on crop choice and diversification. An abundance of female labour was generally associated with intensive cropping, such as vegetable production and fruit cultivation, men were responsible for activities that needed machines.
Halim (1987) mentioned that women are potential producer of the homestead agricultural products and through their participation in intensive homestead production they may contribute in intensive homestead production activities. But due to lack of knowledge and utilization of proper technology and manageable practices the production remains below the accepted level. It may be due to the lack of communication and understanding of their beliefs by the change agents. So it is a crucial need to know the gap between existing beliefs and performances of our rural women regarding homestead production activities.
Anonymous (1986) reported that women are performing post harvest operations such as drying, winnowing and storing paddy, cleaning and preparing wheat, storing mustard and pulse, cleaning and storing potatoes, drying and storing of spices and extracting fibre and seed of jute.
Sattar (1985) reported that women participated in the post harvest operations, vegetable cultivation, fruit cultivation, livestock care as well as other economic activities which had a great contribution in the family income.
Quddus et al. (1985) reported that the kitchen gardening and home level food processing was satisfactory and profitable and women participation was very high with strengthening extension work and their participation was highly favourable. They also advocated that with the existing social system homestead gardening may be considered a major area for women which have both economic and nutritional implications for the well being of rural women particularly for the poor unemployed women.
Martius and Von Harder (1985) in a survey found that women in the rural households perform a number of economic activities viz. post harvest activities, tree plantation, poultry raising, vegetables gardening, fuel gathering etc. But these contributions of the women are not recognized nor are remarkable. It is observed that when any initiative is taken to treat women as recognized and remunerative labour force the traditional purdah norm acts as a barrier.
Hossain (1985) reported that women were involved in most of the pre and post harvest operations of vegetables production. They also advocated some measures to be taken by the government, policy makers, planners, development workers and researcher for the effective integration of participation in different homestead production and management activities like vegetable growing, livestock rearing, fish cultivation, post-harvest operations and household decision making.
Dey (1985) mentioned in his paper that women in the households are economically active and played important role in post harvest operations as well as other activities like kitchen gardening and livestock care.
Yunus (1984) stated I that social attitude to women participation in activities outside the home became more favourable in eighties, particularly when women participation was considered as an economic advantage to the family.
Brammer (1983) pointed out that women do a large extent of agricultural activities such as post harvest operations, poultry raising, vegetable and fruit trees culture, livestock etc. He further highlighted that low literacy rate, shortage of women officials, introduction of inappropriate technology and insufficient programme policies hinder women's participation in agricultural activities.
Ali (1980) reported that women played an extremely vital role in agricultural sector. Seventy percent of women labour forces were engaged in agriculture. They performed agricultural activities such as processing, threshing, drying, winnowing, storage, parboiling, husking and preservation of food at home. Besides, they grew vegetables and fruit trees and reared poultry, livestock and fish. During off season, they were found to produce different handicrafts like quilts, ropes, mats, hangers etc.
Anonymous (1979) mentioned that women in Bangladesh are heavily involved in agricultural activities like sowing, harvesting, storing of seeds, seed testing, sprouting of seeds etc. Moreover, women are sole contributors in the entire post harvest work up to making the grain/crop processed, cooked and made ready as food.
Abdullah and Zeidenstein (1976) reported that women in rural Bangladesh who work on an average 10 to 14 hours a day on seed and grain storage and preservation, post harvest rice processing, vegetable and fruit growing, poultry raising, livestock care, food processing, preservation of household items and fuel gathering. Women contribute of the financial support of the family for their own future security provided that women are economically motivated and active.
Huq (1974) mentioned that women play important role in country's economic growth, especially in agricultural production. But the tasks that rural women perform in a subsistence agricultural framework are mostly undermined, because these tasks are socially recognized as the part of house keeping or home making and are not considered as productive ones.
Chapter 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The method and procedures followed in conducting this study have been described in this chapter. This chapter consists of three sections, the first section of this chapter has been made to delineate a brief description of the physical environment of the study area, second section deals with the variable of the study, while in the third section deals with a brief description of the methodological steps, sampling procedures and data analysis these are presented as follows:
3.1 Geographical location of the study area
The study was conducted in the kalihati upazila under Tangail district. This upazila occupies an area of 301.22 sq. km. It is bounded by Bhuapur and Ghatail upazilas on the north, Basail and Tangail sadar upazila on the south, Shakhipur upazila on the east, Sirajganj sadar and Belkuchi upazilas and Jamuna river on the west.The Kalihati thana was established in 1928 and was turned into an upazila in 1983. The upazila consists of one municipalty, 12 union parishads, 267 mauzas and 314 villages.
3.1.1 Soil
Soils in the western part of the upazila are dominated by Sonatala Dhamrai soil association of the young Jamuna Meander floodplains. The center is occupied by the Sonatala-Savar soil association of the older Jamuna Meander floodplains. While in the east, the old Brahmaputra floodplains Ghatail association soils are prevailing.
Fig. 3.1 A map of Bangladesh showing Tangail district and another one showing the study area
Fig. 3.2 Map of Kalihati Upazila showing selected villages of study area
3.1.2 Climate
The climate of the upazila is moderate. Average temperature continues to rise uniformly from February and reaches the maximum in April at around 36°C.The minimum temperature is usually recorded in January which is 11.8°C. Mean relative humidity is high throughout the year and does not fell below 65%. The average annual humidity is 80%. The monsoon comes from June and continues till October. The annual rainfall is recorded in 1999 was 1720 millimeters.
3.1.3 River system
There are a number of river and rivulets in Kalihati upazila. Among them the main rivers flowing through the upazila are the Jamuna, Lohajang, old Dhaleshwari, Bangshi and Nangal.
3.1.4 Land use patterns
Mostly subsistence and crop based farming is prevailed in the area. Rice is the principle crop covering about 75% of the total cropped land. Cultivated soil grows crops like rice, wheat, corn, mustard seed, potato, ginger, garlic, onion and varieties of pulses and vegetables. Main fruits are mango, jackfruit, banana, litchi, papaya,water melon. Rabi seasons are day extents from November to March. Irrigated Boro rice is grown in low lying area with wheat, potato, pulses etc. as non-irrigated crops. In high lands, Aus rice and Jute are the main crops in Kharif-1 and T. aman rice in Kharif-2. In homestead area, different type perennial fruit, timber, fuel wood, and annual vegetables plant prevailed. Total land under cultivation was 23103 hectares, fallow lands 288 hectares; single crop 46%, double crop 50%, triple crop 4%, land under irrigation was 60%.
3.2 Variables of the study
In social research like homestead agroforestry the selection and measurement of variables constitute a significant task. The dependent variable in this study was role of rural women in homestead agroforestry. The independent variables were age, level of education, family size, family farm size, homestead size, family annual income, socio-economic condition, knowledge about homestead agroforestry, organizational participation and extension media contact. Related literature was reviewed determine the measurement of these variables which is described below:
3.2.1 Measurement of independent variables
The measurement procedures of independent variables are described below:
3.2.1.1 Age
The age of a respondent was measured in terms of complete years at the time of interviewing on the basis of his response.
3.2.1.2 Level of education
The level of education of a respondent was measured by the years of schooling he completed. The level of education score of a respondent was determined from his response to question no. 2 of the interview schedule (Appendix I). If a respondent did not know how to read and write his literacy score was given as zero. Besides this, one score was given for every year of schooling i.e. one for class one, two for class two and so on. However, if a person, could sign her name only, a score of 0.5 was assigned.
3.2.1.3 Family size
The family size of a respondent was measured in terms of number of members in his family including his wife, children and those who were dependent on his family. The actual number of family members of a respondent was considered as his family size score.
3.2.1.4 Family farm size
Land is the most important capital of a farmer which influences on personal characteristics of farmers. Here farm size was expressed as hectare and was computed by using the following formula:
Farm size (FS) = A1 + A2 +½(A3 +A4 )+ A5
Where,
FS = Farm size score
A1 = Homestead area
A2 = Own land under own cultivation
A3 = Land taken from others on borga
A4 = Land given to others on borga
A5 = Land taken from others on lease
3.2.1.5 Homestead size
It was measured by the area of the raised land in which the household has its entire dwelling unit including living room, kitchen room, cattle shed, farm yard and threshing floor, pond etc. It was expressed in hectare.
3.2.1.6 Family annual income
Family annual income of a respondent in ‘000’ taka and was measured on the basis of his total yearly earning from farming and other sources (business, service, labor etc.) by the respondent herself and other family members. A score of one was given for each thousand taka.
3.2.1.7 Socio-economic condition
The farmers were asked to give their opinion regarding the improvement of socio-economic aspect of their livelihood due to the direct or indirect contribution in the homestead agroforestry practices. It was measured on the basis of opinion obtained from the respondent, against 12 statement containing information on the improvement of socio-economic aspect of their livelihood. A 5 point likert scale such as strongly agree, agree, neutral or undecided, disagree, strongly disagree, were used to measure the extent of agreement of the respondents against each of the statement. The score assigned to each of the scale for measuring the extent of agreement was 4, 3, 2, 1 and 0, respectively for each of the 12 statements.
3.2.1.8 Knowledge about homestead agroforestry
It refers to the ability of a respondent to recall or recognize items of information related to homestead agroforestry . It was measured by computing a homestead agroforestry knowledge score. Each respondent was asked to answer 12 questions and score was assigned as 2 for correct answer, 1 for partially correct answer an zero for incorrect answer for each question.
3.2.1.9 Organizational participation
Organizational participation of the respondent was measured on the basis of three dimensions
i) Nature of involvement
ii) Duration of participation
iii) Number of organization in which a respondent was involved
Organizational participation score of a respondent was computed by using the following formula:
OP = Pom X N1 X Y1+ Pem X N2 X Y2 + Peo X N3 X Y3
Where,
OP = Participation as organizational participation score
Pom = Participation as ordinary member (weight =1)
Pem = Participation as executive member (weight =2)
Peo = Participation as executive officer (weight =3)
Yi =Year of participation (I =1, 2, 3, …..)
Ni = Number of organization (s) (I =1, 2, 3, …..)
3.2.1.10 Extension media contact
Extension media contact was performed here by counting the assigned scores for each respondent on the basis of her contact with six pre selected extension media noted in the interview schedule. The frequency of the contact with an information source was classified into six categories yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily and not at all and a weight of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and was assigned against these categories respectively.
3.2.2 Measurement of dependent variable
In order to measure the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry a 10 item scale was constructed and included in the interview schedule. Each respondent was asked to answer all the 10 questions. A respondent could get a score 3 against each item for correct response, 1 and 2, for partial response, and 0 for wrong response. The summation of obtained scores against 10 questions represented Decision making role of women in homestead agroforestry. Score of a respondent could range from 0 to 30.
3.3 Research hypothesis, development of instrument, data collection and data analysis
3.3.1 Research hypothesis
The null hypothesis “There is no relationship between role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities and each of their selected characteristics of the respondents. The selected characteristics were age, education, family size, family farm size, homestead size, family annual income, socio-economic condition, Knowledge about homestead agroforestry, Organizational participation and Extension media contact.
3.3.2 Site selection and sampling procedure
The Kalihati upazila under Tangail district was selected purposively from a total of 14 upazila. The location of the Kalihati upazila is shown in the map
(Fig. 3.1 and Fig. 3.2). The upazila is located in higher elevation than other parts of Tangail district, which gives an extra benefit that no water logging condition may arise. Due to these facilities, forestation program in the unions is going on in full swing.
The respondents of the selected villages of the constituted upazila were the population for this study. From a population of 66145 homesteads, a total of 100 farm families were selected from the 10 villages constituted the sample of the study.
3.3.3 Development of data collection instrument
In order to collect relevant information from the respondents, an interview schedule was used (Appendix I). The schedule was carefully designed keeping the objectives of the study in view. The schedule contained both open and closed form questions. Easy, simple, direct questions and different scales were used to obtain information from the respondents.
The questions were arranged systematically and presented clearly to get there understood by the respondents and to help them furnish information in a consistent and systematic manner, the schedule was prepared in Bangla.
3.3.4 Pre-testing of the interview schedule
The interview schedule was pre-tested with twelve households (not included in sample) of the village, taking two from each village. This pretest facilitated the researcher to examine the suitability of different questions and statement of schedule in general. The schedule was then, finally prepared with necessary correction, modification and alternation as per experiences of pretest. A copy of the interview schedule along with its English version has been enclosed in Appendix I.
3.3.5 Data collection
Data for this study were collected through personal interview by the researcher himself during February 25 to April 15, 2006 using the interview schedule prepared earlier. All possible efforts were made to explain the purpose of the study to the respondents in order to get actual and valid information from them and they were assured that the study was purely an academic one which is not likely to have any adverse effect on them.
The interviews were conducted with the respondents in their houses. Proper rapport was established with respondents so that they did not feel hesitant to furnish proper responses to the questions and statements in the schedule. The questions were explained and clarified whenever any respondent felt difficulty in understanding the question.
3.3.6 Data analysis
After completion of data collection, responses were coded, tabulated and analyzed according to the objectives of the study. Local units of measurement were converted in to standard units. The responses to the questions in interview schedule were transferred to a master sheet to facilitate tabulation and cross tabulation.
Statistical measures such as number, percentage, frequency distribution, range, rank order, mean and standard deviation were used in describing the variables of the study. For clarity of understanding tables and graphs were also used for presenting the data. Pearson’s Product-Moment correlation was used to find out the relationship between selected characteristics of the farmers and number of trees in homestead as perceived by the respondents. Five percent (0.05) level of probability was used as the basis of rejection of nay null hypothesis whenever necessary throughout the study.
Chapter 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this chapter findings have been conveniently presently in 3 sections according to the objectives of the study. The first section deals with the individual characteristics of the rural women. In the second section, the dependent variable has been discussed while the third section deals with the relationship between the selected characteristics of the rural women and their homestead agroforestry practices.
4.1 Selected characteristics of the rural women
The selected characteristics included their; age, education, family size, family farm size, homestead size, family annual income, knowledge about homestead agroforestry, socio-economic condition, organizational participation and extension media contact.
The characteristics of the farmers are described in this section. The basic statistical values in respect of the individual characteristics have been presented in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Basic statistical values of the selected characteristics (N = 100)
Sl. No. Variables Scale of measurement Range Mean Standard deviation
Minimum Maximum
1. Age Years 17 65 41.41 8.601
2. Education Rated score 0 12 4.055 2.51
3. Family size Number 3 16 8.58 2.82
4. Family farm size Ha 0.04 3.48 1.234 0.6472
5. Homestead size Ha 0.01 0.78 0.140 0.1334
6. Family annual income (‘000 Tk.) 26 270 56.03 28.77
7. Socio-economic condition Rated score 26 44 32.6 3.824
8. Knowledge about homestead agroforestry Rated score 9 24 15.49 3.594
9. Organizational participation Rated score 0.0 15 8.44 3.78
10. Extension media contact Rated score 4 18 11.45 3.22
4.1.1 Age
The age of the respondents ranged from 19 to 65 years. On the basis of age groups, the respondents were classified into three categories: young age (up to 30 years), middle age (31 to 45 years) and old age (>45 years). Number and percentage distribution of farmers according to their age group has been shown in the Table 4.2.
Chapter 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary
The study was conducted at 10 villages in Kalihati uapzila under Tangail district. Sites were selected purposively as the local of the study. There are 66145 household families in the upazila. Out of 66145 household families 100 were selected following stratified random sampling procedure. Therefore, these 100 rural women constituted the sample for this study.
In order to collect the relevant information from the rural women, an interview schedule was carefully designed. Direct and open form questions and different scales were used to obtain information. Data were collected through personal interview by the researcher himself from the sampled rural women during 25 February to 15 April, 2006. The collected data were coded, complied, tabulated and analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study.
Role of rural women in homestead agroforestry in homestead area were the dependent variable of the study. Ten selected characteristics of the rural women, as independent variables. The selected characteristics of rural women were age, education, family size, family farm size, homestead size, annual income; socio-economic condition, knowledge about homestead agroforestry, organizational participation, extension media contact were considered as the independent variables in this study. Appropriate methods and procedures were followed to measure the independent and dependent variables of the study.
Descriptive statistics like range, mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage were used to describe both the independent and dependent variables. Table and figures were used in presenting data for clarity of understanding. The null hypothesis was, “There is no relationship between independent and dependent variables”. For test of hypothesis Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (r) was used. Five percent (5%) level of significant was used as the basis of rejecting a null hypothesis.
The age of the rural women ranged from 19 to 65 years with an average 41.41 years and standard deviation 8.60. The most of the respondents (48%) fell in middle age group while 17 percent and 35 percent respondents fell in young and old age group categories, respectively. Thus, the majority of the respondents were middle age.
The level of education of the respondents ranged from 0 to 10. The average means 4.05 and standard deviation 2.50. In the study, 38% of the respondents had primary level of education and 10 percent had secondary level 16% had illiterate and 36 percent had can sign only level of education, respectively. Thus the majority of the respondents were primary level of education.
The family size of the rural women scored from 3 to 16 members with an average of 8.58 and standard deviation 2.82. Most of the rural women (49%) had medium families compared to 26 percent small and 25 percent large families.
In the study area the family farm size of the rural women ranged from
0.04-3.48 hectares with an average of 1.234 and standard deviation 0.6472. Among the rural women, 43 percent marginal, 41 percent small, 12 percent medium and 4 percent large farm categories.
The homestead size of the rural women ranged from 0.01 to 0.78 hectares with an average of 0.1406 ha and standard deviation 0.1334. The highest proportion 54% of the respondents was small and the lowest was large homestead size 7 percent compared 14 percent and 25 percent of marginal and medium homestead size, respectively.
Family annual income of the rural women varied within the farm categories. The income scores of the farm families ranged from Tk. 26 thousand to Tk. 270 thousand with an average of Tk. 56.03 thousand and standard deviation of 28.77. As regards annual income 52% of the rural women had medium, 32% low and 16% had high amount of annual income.
The score of the respondent regarding socio-economic range from 26 to 44 with an average 32.60. The rural women showed that majority (50%) of rural women had medium opinion in respect of changes in socio-economic aspects compared to 14 percent high and 36 percent low opinion.
The knowledge about homestead agroforestry score of the rural women varied from 9 to 24 with the mean of 15.49 and standard deviation of 3.59. The highest proportion of the respondents 52 had medium knowledge category in which poor and high knowledge category had 11 and 37 percent, respectively.
The organizational participation score of the rural women varied from 0 to 15 with the mean of 8.44 and standard deviation 3.78. The highest proportion of the respondent (48%) had low participation and 5% had no participation while 47 percent and 0 percent had medium and high participation, respectively.
The extension media contact score of the respondent in the study area varied from 4 to 18 with a mean 11.45 and standard deviation 3.22. The highest proportion of the respondent (72%) had medium extension media contact compared to 17% and 11% had low and high extension media contact, respectively.
In practicing homestead agroforestry the rural women faced a number of problems. From the number of citation of the respondents 12 problems were identified. Lack of quality seeds and seedlings for homestead production was the most important problem faced by the respondents. The next five important problems were lack of good breed of poultry, diseases of the poultry, infestation of the insect pest on homestead cultivation, lack of credit facilities and criticism from others as a strong social barrier.
Rural women mentioned few probable suggestions to play better role in homestead agroforestry. Among the suggestions, supply of seeds, improved poultry breeds, and vaccination facilities for poultry were critical to solving problems faced by the rural women in performing homestead agroforestry activities. Providing necessary extension support coupled with training and credit facilities for homestead production can greatly increase the extent of participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry.
5.2 Conclusion
The following conclusion could be drawn based on this study.
Rural women of the study area were found practicing each of the selected homestead agroforestry activities i.e. homestead vegetable cultivation, tree plantation, poultry rearing and the extent of participation was medium in all cases. In fact these activities are mostly performed by women in our country and have rightly been reflected in the present study. Of course, their extent of participation in different items under each activity varied depending on the nature of the activity, availability of the inputs, technical know-how and also due to other characteristics of the rural women. So there is a need for strengthening services by GOs and NGOs to ensure a continuous flow of information to the rural women for enhancing their skills and knowledge in the respective areas.
Educational qualification, family size, family farm size, family annual income, Socio economic condition, Knowledge about homestead agroforestry, Extension contact had significantly positive relationship with role of women in homestead agroforestry activities, it implies that, the social, economical, and psychological characteristics of the rural women could have profound influence on their participation in homestead agroforestry activities. All these social, economical, and psychological characteristics of the rural women are supportive to a great extent to motivate the women who are also related with the change in education, knowledge and their income. In the present study it was found that majority of the respondents had high knowledge and the level of education was found to have reflected in their role in homestead agroforestry activities.
Problems are the part of women life. They faced a lot of problems due to ignorance and for depending on others. They are more or less controlled by others. Moreover, they faced various types of problems. From these, they mentioned 12 problems and eight probable solutions. These all were important problems and needed particular attention from the extension and other rural development organization both from public and private sector.
5.3 Recommendations
No systematic program has so far been undertaken to increase the participation of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities in spite of its immense scope and prospects. The following recommendations are made on the basis of the findings of the present study.
5.3.1 Recommendation for policy implications
i) Extensive development programs should be designed and implemented by GOs and NGOs considering homestead as production unit and women as the key operator.
ii) Extension service should be strengthened particularly for women. Due to social system and religion, rural women are reluctant to come in contact with male extension workers. So, more women extension workers are to be engaged for effective and successful implementation of the development activities.
iii) Necessary inputs such as quality seeds/ seedlings, hybrid poultry birds, Quality feeds, chemical fertilizer insecticides etc are to be made available to the respondents at right time at fair price.
iv) The success of homestead agroforestry depends on skilled labor. Short term training programme on modern techniques should be provided to make them aware of modern technologies of production. More scope and opportunity of work for the women should be created.
v) The concept of homestead agroforestry should be explained to all categories of rural women, for proper management and maintenance of homestead.
vi) In order to implement homestead development, programs and integrated approach should be strengthened involving private and public sector.
5.3.2 Recommendation for further studies
i) The present study was carried in a small area of particular district. Similar studies should be conducted in other parts of the country, which could be helpful for effective policy for mention.
ii) Relationship of ten characteristics of the rural women with their role in homestead agroforestry. Further research should be conducted to explore the relationship of other characteristics of rural women with their role in homestead agroforestry.
iii) There are so many problems in participating in homestead agroforestry for the rural women. More research should be conducted to find out the problems suggested solutions of the problems from different stakeholders.
iv) A negative trend relationship with age and homestead size of the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry was observed, therefore the relationship was not statistically significant. Generally a significant positive relationship is expected to be observed with age and homestead size of the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry. Hence further studies necessary to find out the relationship among the concerned variables.
Table 4.2 Distribution of respondents according to their age
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
Young age (up to 3o years) 17 41.41 8.60
Middle age (31 to 45 years) 48
Old age (>45 years) 35
Total 100
Data presented in Table 4.2 indicates that majority (48 percent) of the respondent were middle aged compared to little one one-third were old and only 17 percent were under young age category. The mean and standard deviation beings 41.41 years and 8.60 years respectively.
4.1.2 Education level
The levels of the education were categorized into four groups. These were illiterate (no schooling), can sign only, primary level (class I-V), secondary level (class VI-X). The range of education level of the respondents ranged from no formal education to secondary levels. The level of education of the respondents is presented in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3 Distribution of respondents according to their level of education
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
Illiterate (No schooling) 16 4.05 2.50
Can sign only 36
Primary level (I-V) 38
Secondary level (VI-X) 10
Total 100
It revealed that the highest proportion (38%) of the respondents had primary level of education, while 36% and 16% had can sign only and no schooling respectively. Only 10% had secondary level of education. The average score of educational level of the respondent were 4.05 and a standard deviation of 2.50.
4.1.3 Family size
Family size of the respondents ranged from 3 to 16 members with an average of 8.58 having a standard deviation of 2.82 (Table 4.4). The family size of the respondents was classified into three categories. These were small (up to 4 members), medium (5-7 members) and large (8 and above members).
Table 4.4 Distribution of respondents according to their family size
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
Small family (up to 4) member 26 8.58 2.82
Medium family (5 to 8 members) 49
Large family (>8 members) 25
Total 100
Data presented in Table 4.4 indicated that 49% of the respondents belonged to medium size family while 26% and 25% belong to small family and large family, respectively.
4.1.4 Family farm size
The family farm size of the respondents varied from 0.04-3.48 (ha) with the mean of 1.234 and standard deviation of 0.6472. There were four farm categories of the respondents on the basis of their farm holdings. The distribution of the respondents with number, percentage, mean and standard deviation is shown in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5 Distribution of respondents according to their family farm size
Categories Farm size (ha) No. of respondents/ Percentage of respondents Mean Standard deviation
Marginal Up to 0.2 43 1.23 0.6472
Small 0.21-1.0 41
Medium 0.1.1-3.0 12
large Above 3.0 4
Data presented in Table 4.5 show that the highest proportions (43%) of the respondents were marginal farmers compared to 41%, 4% and 12% had small, large medium farm holdings, respectively.
4.1.5 Homestead size
The homestead size of the respondents varied from 0.01 to 0.78 hectares. The average homestead size was 0.1407 hectare with a standard deviation of 0.1334. There were four categories of homestead size on the basis of farm categories. The range, category, percent, mean and standard deviation are given in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6 Distribution of respondents according to their homestead size
Categories Farm size (ha) No. of respondents/ Percentage of respondents Mean Standard deviation
Marginal Up to 0.05 14 0.1406 0.1334
Small 0.06-0.10 54
Medium 0.11-0.50 25
Large Above 0.50 7
Data presented in Table 4.6 indicates that majority (45 percent) of the respondent had small homestead size compared to 25%, 14% and 7% had medium, marginal and large homestead size, respectively.
4.1.6 Family annual income
Annual income scores of the farmers in the study area ranged from Tk.26 thousand to Tk. 270 thousand with the mean and standard deviation of 56.03 and 28.77 respectively. The distribution of the respondents in different categories on the basis of their annual income has been shown in Table 4.7 and Fig. 4.1.
Data furnished in table indicate that the highest proportion (52%) of the rural women belonged to medium income group. A little less than one-third (32 prcent) had low income and half of them (16 percent) had high income. The national average per capita income of the country is US$ 440 (BBS, 2001). The greater proportion (84 percent) of the rural women was in low and medium income groups.
Table 4.7 Distribution of respondents according to their family annual income
Categories No. of respondents/ Percentage of respondents Mean Standard deviation
Low (up to 40) 32 56.03 28.77
Medium (40-70) 52
High (above 71) 16
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4.1.7 Distribution of respondents according to their socio-economic aspects
Scores of rural women opinion regarding changes in socio-economic aspects due to homestead agroforestry ranged from 26 to 44 against the possible range of 0 to 48, 0 indicating no economic development and 48 indicating the highest level of development. The rural women were classified into three categories based on the obtained opinion scores. The categories and distribution of farmers are shown in Table 4.8 and Fig. 4.2.
Table 4.8 Distribution of the rural women according to their
socio-economic aspects
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
Low (up to 30) 36 32.60 3.82
Medium (30-40) 50
High (above 41) 14
Total 100
Data presented in Table 4.8 indicate that the highest proportion (50 percent) of the farmer fell in medium category, while 14 percent had high and 36 percent had low changes in socio-economic aspects due to homestead agroforestry. That means the three-fourth of the rural women had medium to high in
socio-economic status of the rural women.
4.1.8 Knowledge about homestead agroforestry of the rural women
The score of knowledge on homestead agroforestry ranged from 9 to 24 against the possible range of 0 to 24 with a mean and standard deviation of 15.49 and 3.59, respectively. The respondent were classified into there categories on the basis of their knowledge on homestead agroforestry and poor (up to 10), medium (11-20) and high knowledge (>20). The distribution of the respondents has been presented in Table 4.9.
Table 4.9 Distribution of the rural women according to their knowledge about homestead agroforestry
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
Poor (up to 10) 11 15.49 3.59
Medium (11-20) 52
High (above 21) 37
Total 100
Data presented in Table 4.9 shown that highest proportion (52 percent) of the respondent women had medium knowledge on homestead agroforestry, belong to have high knowledge and compared to 37 percent of the rural women. 11% of the respondent had to poor knowledge. In our society, women gained knowledge in agricultural activities mostly from her husband and some what from the parents. It was observed that knowledge of the housewives was medium to high category which is quite rational because rural women’s are always related with some sorts of agricultural activities.
4.1.9 Organizational participation of the rural women
The computed organizational participation scores of the respondents ranged from 0 to 15 with an average of 8.44 and a standard deviation of 3.75. The rural women were classified into four categories on the basis of their organizational participation scores as shown in Table 4.10.
Table 4.10 Distribution of the rural women according to their organizational participation
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
No participation (0) 5 8.44 3.78
Low participation (up to 10) 48
Medium participation (11-20) 47
High participation (above 20) 0
Total 100
Data presented in the table 4.10 indicate that the highest proportion (48 percent) of the rural women had low participation in organization compared to 47 percent medium and only 5 percent had no organization participation. There were no rural women in high organizational participation category.
It reveals that almost all (95% percent) of the rural women is the study area belong to medium to low organizational participation categories.
4.1.10 Extension media contact
Extension media contact score of the respondents could range from 4 to 18. The average was 11.45 with a standard deviation of 3.22.On the basis of extension media contact score of the respondents were categories in three categories shown in Table 4.11 and Fig. 4.4.
Table 4.11 Distribution of the rural women according to their Extension media contact
Categories Respondents
Number/percentage Mean Standard deviation
Low (up to 8) 17 11.45 3.22
Medium (9-15) 72
High (16 and above) 11
Total 100
Data presented in Table indicate that 72 percent had medium extension media contact with information sources and 17 percent of the respondents had low extension contact and 11 percent of the respondent had high extension media contact. The findings of the study reveled that overwhelming majority
(89 percent) of the respondent had either low or medium.
4.2 Role of women in homestead agroforestry activities
Role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities of the respondents ranged from 14 to 27 against the possible range of 0 to 30. The average role in homestead agroforestry of the rural women was 20.1 with a standard deviation of 3.47 Based on their role in homestead agroforestry activities scores, the respondents were classified into three categories: low (up to 15), medium
(16-25) and high (above 25). The distribution of respondents according to their role in homestead agroforestry activities has been shown in Table 4.12 and Fig. 4.5.
Table 4.12 Distribution of the rural women according to role on homestead agroforestry activities
Categories Respondents
Number/
percentage Mean Standard deviation
Low (up to 15) 7 20.10 3.47
Medium (16-25) 88
High (above 25) 5
Total 100
Data presented in Table 4.12 shows that the highest proportion of rural women (88 percent) were found to have medium role in homestead agroforestry activities, whereas 5 percent had high and 7 percent of them had low role in homestead agroforestry activities.
4.3 Relationship between the selected characteristics of the rural women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The purpose of this section is to examine the relationship between the selected characteristics of the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry activities.
To explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry activities, “Person’s Product-Moment Correlation Co-efficient ‘r’ was used. A table is placed below with description and interpretation of the meaning of ‘r’ (Cohen and Holliday, 1982).
Table 4.13 The meaning of correlation coefficient
r value Meaning
±0.20-0.39 Low correlation
±0.40-0.69 Medium correlation
±0.70-0.89 High correlation
Source: Cohen and Holliday, 1982:93
The relationship between the variables has been described in a separate subsection. Significant relationship as determined by co-efficient of correlation test ‘r’ have been examined. The null hypothesis formulated for this study has already been described in Chapter 3. A hypothesis was rejected when the observed ‘r’ value was greater than the tabulated value of ‘r’ at 0.05 level of probability.
The result of coefficient of correlation (r) has been presented in Table 4.14
Table 4.14 Relationship between the selected characteristics or the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry (N = 100)
Selected characteristics Observed ‘r’ value Tabulated values with (N-2) df at
0.05 level 0.01 level
1. Age -0.086NS
2. Level of education 0.249*
3. Family size 0.231*
4. Family farm size 0.300**
5. Homestead size -0.009NS ±0.196 ±0.254
6. Family annual income 0.576**
7. Socioeconomic condition 0.329**
8. Knowledge about homestead
agroforestry 0.375**
9. Organizational participation 0.123NS
10. Extension contact 0.332**
* Correlation significant at the 0.05 level
** Correlation significant at the 0.01 level
NS = Not significant
4.3.1 Relationship between age of respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The relationship between age of respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities was examined by testing null hypothesis: “There is no relationship between age of respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities ”. The computed value of correlation co-efficient between age of respondents and homestead agroforestry practices was found -0.086 as shown in Table 4.14. The following observations were made regarding the relationship between these two variables, based on ‘r’ value.
a) The relationship between two variables were found negative trend and correlation is low.
b) The computed value of r = -0.086 were smaller than the tabulated value (±0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 percent level of probability and the relationship was statistically insignificant. Hence the null hypothesis could not be rejected.
Based on the above findings, it may be concluded that the age of the farmers had no linear relationship with homestead agroforestry practices followed by the farmers as perceived by the respondents.
4.3.2 Relationship between level of education of the rural women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
Relationship between the education level of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities was examined by testing null hypothesis;
“There is no relationship between the education of the farmers and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities’’
Computed value of co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was found to be 0.249* as show in Table 4.14. This led to the following observations regarding the relationship between the two variables under consideration.
a) the relationship showed a positive trend
b) the degree of relationship was very low
c) The computed value of ‘r’ (0.249 was found to be greater than the table value (r = 0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. Hence, the relationship was significant.
Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected and therefore it is concluded that level of education has significant positive relationship with the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities. That means the educated rural women were more interested in homestead agroforestry activities then the illiterate
farmers.
4.3.3 Relationship between family size of the rural women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between family size of the farmers and homestead agroforestry practices was found to be 0.231 as shown in Table 4.14. The following observations were recorded regarding the relationship between the concerned variables.
a) The relationship showed a positive trend
b) the degree of relationship was very low
c) The computed value of ‘r’ (0.231 was found to be greater than the table value (r = 0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. Hence, the relationship was significant.
Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected and it is concluded that family size has significant positive relationship with the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities.
4.3.4 Relationship between family farm size of the rural women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The relationship between farm size and the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities was examined by testing the null hypothesis. There is no relationship between the farm size of the rural women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities.
Table 4.14 shows that the co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was found to be 0.300. This led to the following observations regarding the relationship between the two variables under consideration.
a) The relationship showed a positive trend
b) The degree of relationship was medium low
c) The computed value of ‘r’ 0.300 was found to be greater than the table value (r = ±0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. Hence, the relationship was highly significant
Thus considering the findings the research concluded that farm size of the respondents had a positive significant relationship with role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities.
4.3.5 Relationship between homestead size of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The relationship between homestead size and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities was examined by testing the null hypothesis: “There is no relationship between homestead size and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities”.
Table 4.14 shows that the coefficient of correlation between the concerned variables was found to be -0.009 which lead to the following observation regarding the relationship between the two variables under consideration:
a) The relationship between two variables were found negative trend and correlation is low.
b) The computed value of r = -0.009 were smaller than the tabulated value (±0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 percent level of probability and the relationship was statistically insignificant. Hence the null hypothesis could not be rejected.
Based on the above findings, it may be concluded that the homestead size of the respondent had no linear relationship with the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities”
4.3.6 Relationship between family annual income of the rural farmers and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
Relationship between the family annual income of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities. “There is no relationship between the family annual income of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities”.
Computed value of co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was found to be 0.576 as shown in Table 4.14. The following observations regarding the relationship between the two variables on the basis of
co-efficient of correlation.
a) The relationship showed a positive trend
b) The relationship between the concerned variables was high
c) The computed value ‘r’ (0.576) was greater than the tabulated value at 0.05 level of probability. Hence the relationship was statistically highly significant.
Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected and the researcher concluded that family annual income had highly significant positive relationship with role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities.
4.3.7 Relationship between socio-economic aspects of the rural women and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The following null hypothesis was coined to test the relationship between socio-economic aspects of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities”.
“There is no relationship between socio-economic aspects of the rural women and the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities”.
The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was found to be 0.329 as shown in Table 4.14.This lead to the following observations regarding the relationship between the two variables under consideration.
a) the relationship showed a positive trend
b) the degree of relationship was high.
c) the computed value of ‘r’ 0.329 was found to be greater than the table value (r = ±0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. Hence, the relationship was highly significant.
From the above observations, the formulated null hypothesis was rejected which implied that socio-economic aspects of the respondents were related to their role in homestead agroforestry activities”. That means the educated respondents were more interested in socio-economic aspects in homestead agroforestry activities”.
4.3.8 Relationship between knowledge about homestead agroforestry of the respondents and the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The relationship between knowledge about homestead agroforestry of the respondents and the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities was examined by testing the null hypothesis. “There is no relationship between knowledge about homestead agroforestry of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities.”
Data presented in Table 4.14 reveals that the co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables were found to be 0.375 which lead to the following observation regarding the relationship between two variables under consideration.
a) The relationship showed a positive trend
b) The degree of relationship was medium high
c) The computed value of ‘r’ 0.375 was found to be greater than the table value (r = ±0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability.
Hence, the relationship was highly significant. From the above observations, the null hypothesis was rejected which implied that knowledge on homestead agroforestry of the respondents were highly related to their role of in homestead agroforestry activities.
4.3.9 Relationship between organizational participation of the rural women and their role in homestead agroforestry activities
Data presented in Table 4.14 reveals that the co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables were found to be 0.123NS which in lead to the following observation regarding the relationship between two variables under the consideration.
a) The relationship between the two variables was found positive but correlation was low.
b) The calculated value of r = 0.123 were smaller than the tabulated value
r = ±0.196 with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. Hence the null hypothesis was could not be rejected i.e. there was no linear relationship between the concerned variables.
Thus considering the finding the researcher concluded that organizational participation of the rural women had no linear relationship with their role in homestead agroforestry activities.
4.3.10 Relation between extension contact of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities
The relationship between extension contact of the respondents and the role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities was examined by testing the null hypothesis. “There is no relationship between extension contact of the respondents and role of rural women in homestead agroforestry activities.”
Table 4.14 shows that the coefficient of the correlation between the concerned variable were found to be 0.332** which lead to the following observation regarding the relationship between the two variables under consideration.
a) The relationship between the two variables were found positive.
b) The calculated value of ‘r’ = 0.332 was higher than the tabulated value (r=±0.196) with 98 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability and the relationship was highly significant. Hence, the null hypothesis was therefore rejected.
c) The relationship between the two variables was statistically significant.
On the basis of the findings, it may be concluded that the two variables were dependent to each other and highly significant.
4.4 Problems faced by the rural women in participating homestead agroforestry
There was an open ended question in the interview schedule about problems faced by the women performing homestead agroforestry activities. It was observed that they faced a number of problems in performing any production oriented activity. In case of agricultural production activities, the extent and types of problems are diversified as they are more or less controlled by nature. However, rural women of the study area mentioned twelve problems beings encountered that are given in Table 4.15 with number of citation in descending order.
Table 4.15 Rank order of the problems faced by the rural women
Sl. No. Problems Number of citations
1. Lack of quality seed and seedling for homestead cultivation
2. Lack of good breed of poultry
3. Diseases of the poultry
4. Infestation of insect pest on homestead vegetables
5. Lack of credit facilities
6. Criticism from others/social barrier
7. Lack of training facilities on homestead agricultural production
8. Lack of knowledge on controlling insect pests and diseases
9. Lack of vaccination facilities for poultry
10. Poor extension service and lack of information in proper time
11. Lack of veterinary medicine
12. Lack of semen in proper time for artificial insemination
It appears from Table 4.15 that a lack of quality seeds and seedlings for homestead production was the most important problem faced by the respondents. The next five important problems were, as maintained by about or more than 50 percent respondents were lack of good breed of poultry, diseases of the poultry, infestation of insect pest on homestead cultiva6tion, lack of credit facilities and criticism from others as a strong social barrier.
The table also showed that the comparatively low cited problems were lack of training facilities about homestead agriculture, lack of knowledge in controlling insect-pest, lack of vaccination facilities for poultry, poor extension service and lack of information in proper time, lack of veterinary medicine and lack of semen in proper time for artificial insemination. As number of citation for almost all of the problems not low, it could be concluded that all these were important problems in general and needed particular attention from the extension and other rural development organizations both from public and private sectors.
Probable solutions of the problems suggested by the rural women
During interviewing the participating respondents were also asked to suggest the probable solutions to problems they have identified in relation to perform different agroforestry activities. The solutions are arranged according to their number of responses and presented in Table 4.16.
Table 4.16 Probable, solutions the problems in relation to perform different agroforestry activities
Sl. No. Solutions as suggested by the respondent rural women Number of citations
1. Supply of healthy seeds from GOs or NGOs
2. Supply of improved poultry breeds
3. Availability of vaccination facilities and medicine for poultry and livestock
4. Providing sufficient training facilities
5. Providing sufficient extension service for motivation and technical information
6. Distribution of agricultural credit on easy conditions and low interest
7. Availability of insecticide and pesticide for homestead gardening
8. Providing subsidy on poultry rearing
It could be concluded from the Table 4.16 that supply of seeds, improved poultry breeds and vaccination facilities for poultry were critical to solving problems faced by the rural women in performing homestead agroforestry production. Providing necessary extension support coupled with training and credit facility for homestead production could be instrumental for the widespread performance of rural women in homestead agroforestry.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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