Women’s engagement in agricultural projects. A case study of Ward 10 Chikwaka in Goromonzi Rural District · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mtizwa, Rumbidzai

Title

Women’s engagement in agricultural projects. A case study of Ward 10 Chikwaka in Goromonzi Rural District

Abstract

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Zimbabwe’s economy, and women play a significant role in it. Investigating their engagement in agricultural projects can provide valuable insights into their contributions and challenges. This study was conducted to examine women’s engagement in agricultural projects in ward 10 Chikwaka, Goromonzi rural district. Using qualitative research methods the researcher collected data through focus group discussions and key informant interviews and effectively used them to obtain results from the research. A sample of women farmers engaged in agricultural projects was used and participants were selected through purposive sampling and stratified purposive sampling. The study assessed the level of women’s engagement in agricultural projects, factors influencing their participation and strategies to enhance their engagement. The research findings revealed that women are actively engaged in agricultural projects but face significant constraints, including gender inequality, limited access to resources such as land, credit, inputs and extension services, and decision making power. However the study also identified some positive factors such as social support networks and more which support women’s participation in agricultural projects. The research proposes a set of strategies to enhance women’s engagement in agricultural projects, including capacity building, access to finance, technology adoption and gender sensitive policies and practises. Overall, the study highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to address the range of constraints that limit women’s participation with a focus on promoting gender equality, economic empowerment and sustainable development. The findings and recommendations of this study have important implications for policy makers, practitioners and researchers in the fields of agriculture, gender and development

Date

MAY 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Women in Agriculture, Subsistence and commercial farming

Supervisor

Dr Manyangadze