GENDER PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES AND DECISIONS OF VEGETABLE CULTIVATION IN SURKHET, NEPAL

Abstract

A study was conducted in Surkhet, Nepal in 2020 to identify and assess the gender participation in various activities and decisions of vegetable cultivation. A total of 120 vegetable farmers were selected; 30 farmers from four different municipality. The results revealed that most of the vegetable farming activities are done jointly, whereas, laborious and taxing activities like ploughing and spraying pesticides were exclusively done by male, and sowing/ raising nursery, picking/harvesting, and marketing of farm produce were predominantly done by female. Regarding the decisions related to vegetable cultivation, majority of the decision were joint decision; consent of both male and female. However, male had greater authoritative power, and female performed supportive role. Gender sensitization, awareness in society, education for women, and extension services should be provided for empowerment and capacity development of women by government and related organizations. This will help to widen the parochial outlook of women, which will ultimately enhance their participation in decision-making process.