Extent of Women Participation in Agricultural Activities: A Case Study of Rain-Fed Area Pothohar, Pakistan

Abstract

It is universally recognized that women are playing valuable role in all segments of crop and livestock; but unfortunately, the contribution of women in agriculture sector is still underestimated. The purpose of this study was to investigate women’s involvement in farming and livestock in Pothohar, particularly in rain-fed areas of Punjab, Pakistan. The research was carried out at Thatti Gujran, one of Fateh Jhang’s villages during 2018-19. The purpose of this research was to see how many female farmers contribute to farming and livestock activities. The formal survey collected data from eighty (80) female farmers using the random sampling technique. Research was based small landholders. The study’s main findings demonstrate that agriculture, together with livestock rearing is the primary occupation of the area’s residents. Females were completely involved in all aspects of farming. According to survey findings, only 32.5% of female respondents said they were part-time farmers, while 67.5% said they were actively involved all in farming activities. The respondent female farmers were involved in number of farming activates like crop production, wheat harvesting, livestock operations and, cleaning animal sheds was high. Taking into consideration the role of women in farming, the government should take steps to encourage them by providing trainings. The government level training will increase female farmers’ level of involvement and productive capacity in agricultural and livestock management. It was suggested that at the household level, kitchen gardening program should be introduced which will improve their livelihood more effectively.