Strategies to optimize women's participation in palm cattle integration

Abstract

Palm cattle integration as an integrated farming system is intrinsically complex. The model involves different processes and interactions between various actors in the value chain. The participation of women farmers in agriculture is considered the primary social capital in creating agricultural sustainability and improving productivity, but norms and socio-cultural aspects often dictate these roles. Investing in women in smallholder-based supply chains is expected to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve broader goals. Approximately 49% of agricultural households comprise of women farmers. While both men and women contribute significantly to palm cattle integration, rural women's roles in production activities and technology transfer are not fully documented. On the other side, women's participation in agricultural activities is still faced with various constraints. Hence, this study's aim is twofold: to analyze the driving factors and constraints that motivate women's participation and formulate strategies to increase women's participation in palm cattle integration. This study provides useful information to develop appropriate intervention policies and strategies to support, enhance, and increase women's participation in palm cattle integration.