Dzvimbo, Munyaradzi, Machokoto, Washington ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3613-3553 and Mashizha, Tinashe (2020) PERPETUAL ‘OUTCAST’? WOMEN’S ROLE IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF SANYATI DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE. International Journal of All Research Writings.

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Abstract

This paper explores the role of women in agricultural development and their setbacks in Sanyati
district. A simple random sampling method was applied to select five villages from Sanyati and 50
women (smallholder farmers). Then, the in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain information
from women on the socio-economic characteristics, land use activities, farm production and challenges
they face. A qualitative analysis was used to analyze the data collected. The findings of the research
also showed that women are included in mostly farming activities from land preparation to harvesting,
processing and marketing of produce. They are involved in growing various crops, rear animals and
keep poultry. The land tenure system and the concept of headship in Zimbabwe have always considered
men to be the head and land is allocated to the head of the family, presumed to be male. Hence, women’s
access to land is limited. The study noted that female-headed households found it challenging to own
land, their access and rights to land and credit facilities are always not easy and has fewer labour
resources. Since women contribute immensely to food production, processing and preservation of food,
spirited commitment and dedication should be devoted on addressing challenges because women are
the backbone and engine of agricultural development and food security in Sanyati district and
Zimbabwe as a whole.
Keyword: Agriculture; challenges; development; farmer’s role; production; women.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Business and finance > Business and management > Culture and leadership
Depositing User:	Washington Machokoto
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2022 16:46
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2024 11:31
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/9023

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