Participation of rural women in income generating activities (iga): Constraints and opportunities. The case of lay gayint district (Amhara region, Ethiopia)

Abstract

Gender inequalities make women especially exposed to risk and chronic poverty. The literature shows, however, that providing women with income opportunities is a highly effective strategy to reduce poverty and improve household’s livelihoods. Lay Gayint District (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) is an area characterised by a high share of poor and vulnerable households living in a state of chronic food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to determine, within this context of poverty and chronic food insecurity, to what extent women are involved in income generating activities (IGA), and what are the opportunities and constraints they face to take part in this kind of livelihood strategies. To meet this objective, a sample of 150 women was selected from two different kebele administrations (subdivisions of the district) of Lay Gayint for individual questionnaires. In addition, interviews with key informants, four focus group discussions and other participatory tools (mapping, transect walks and time lines) were used to obtain primary data. The results indicate that the majority of women in the study area participate in income generating activities, although their participation is usually low in terms of time and limited in terms of income. The most common occupations are crop and livestock activities (farm activities), and to a lesser extent, low-return off-farm activities such us sale of tea, bread and traditional drinks, small trade, and wage employment in domestic work. Even though women in the area and the other stakeholders who participated in the study are aware of the importance of IGA to improve livelihoods, the weight of an adverse context, limited resources and deeply rooted cultural background undermining women seem to play against their involvement in this kind of activities. For the specific case of the participation in off-farm activities, according to an econometric analysis using a logistic regression model, six out of fourteen attributes of the respondents have shown significant impact on their involvement in off-farm activities. This is the case of early marriage, age, sex of the household head, distance to the market, ownership of livestock and participation in farm activities, which in all the cases but for the sex of the household head, negatively affect the engagement of women in this kind of occupations. Since women have a critical role in development and disaster risk reduction, this study suggests the promotion of new and revision of existing programmes to enhance women’s economic empowerment. In the same way, awareness creation over damaging practices undermining women’s integrity and its sanction is demanded. For further investigation, this research strongly recommends the study of viable and sustainable new alternatives of income generation in Lay Gayint or areas of similar characteristics. Since most of the households depend on farm activities but are unable to produce or acquire enough food for the whole year, economic diversification is vital.