Annotation 2_An investigation of gender division of labour: The case of Delanta district, South Wollo zone, Ethiopia

Abate, N. (2017). An investigation of gender division of labour: The case of Delanta district, South Wollo zone, Ethiopia. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 9(9), 207 – 214.

The study was carried out to determine the main obstacles faced by rural women engaged in agricultural work and to identify  the gendered division of labour in household and agricultural tasks in the Delanta district, South Wollo zone, Ethiopia. It was conducted in six rural districts, and 300 households by selecting  225 women and 75 men. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 50 households from each rural district were chosen as interview subjects. Statistical methods, both descriptive and inferential, were used to analyse and present the primary data. 

The study found that there was a distinct gender- and age-based division of labour in crop production, animal husbandry, and household chores. The gender division of labour was classified into two groups, namely, production in the field and inside the household. The majority of domestic work in the district was performed by women, who have historically been responsible for the heaviest share of household duties, including caring for children, providing housing and clothing, and sharing the role of the breadwinner, as they make up 50% of the agricultural labour force in the study area. 

Women’s contributions to ensuring household food security continues to be largely disregarded in policy and resource allocation, particularly in developing countries.  The traditional division of labour between men and women restricts  women to domestic work, which includes all aspects of food preparation, fetching water, gathering wood for fuel, and taking care of the family. Women aren’t allowed to choose the crops to plant, buy or sell livestock, farm inputs, or land. When these matters require decisions, men make those decisions;  in a few rare instances, both make joint decisions. Heavy domestic labour loads, less time spent away from the home, less freedom of movement than men, and low educational status are identified as  the barriers preventing women from participating in decision making.

Nahausenay recommended that women’s labour contribution could be valued if they are given more rights, taboos are broken, and societal attitudes about them shift so all phases of project planning, execution, and evaluation should include these issues. Moreover, federal, state, and local governments, as well as other interested parties, should take all necessary steps to ensure that women and men are treated equally and without discrimination in order to strengthen and develop women in economic, social, and political affairs.