Role
of women in Agriculture Development.
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| Women collecting agriculture product from wetland, Ghale gaun, Lamjung |
Nepal being agriculture oriented country most of
population is depended on agricultural resources and agricultural products to
operate the living. Even though some population has shifted towards other
sectors, agriculture is profession adopted by most Nepalese. And every member
in a society are involved in it, both male, female, children, youngsters and old
ages.
Talking about the gender and agriculture, women in
Nepal directly depend on natural and agricultural resources to meet the
environmental, nutritional and socio-cultural needs for their own and those of
their families and communities. The gender, women are equally responsible for
their different roles in community influenced by agriculture. Greater
responsibility for securing water, food, seeds, medicines, forages, fuel wood
and many more, makes women to take part in agricultural practices, and their knowledge,
science and skills are crucial for sustainable agriculture. Women in Nepal have
more responsibility than men for securing the food, utilization of natural
products and animal husbandry and therefore have a stronger interest and role
in conserving biodiversity.
If a single women can
play these multiple role in utilization of agricultural products and management
of resources, then it can be assured that if they are allowed to get involved
in vital decision making process in community agriculture based programs,
agriculture in Nepal would take a great leap. It can be highlighted that women
are crucial actors in biodiversity utilization and conservation in their
multiple roles as farmers, selectors, managers, harvesters and distributors. These
skills are much more important in agriculture development.
Apart from this tragic conditions there are best example of
Nepalese women who are able to stand a step ahead in the community and have
occupied a different position in the society, due to their different practices
and agriculture strategies for the utilization, management, conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity that also have deep cultural, spiritual meanings. The functional role of women in Community Forest Development
programs, Village Agriculture Development programs other small and medium level
agriculture programs such as establishment of kitchen gardens, terrace
gardening and animal husbandry are getting more beneficial as the decisions and
ideas of women are getting spotlight in community.
Talking about
women empowerment in Uttarkanya - VDC Ghale Gaun, Lamjung, and the condition is
satisfactory. The out migration of most of male members of society, the
responsibility has been found handed over to the female members. They decide
every management practices such as selection of crop variety, methods of irrigation
and methods to harvest. And they distribute the benefits among community
members for development works. Wetland resources utility and conservation are
also the secondary practices of women there. Not only agriculture, they equally
contribute for the tourism development too.
Hence, women as primary users and managers of resources
they play key role in agriculture development and distribution of benefits. The
exposure and decision making opportunities provided to women is one of the most
awaited need in agriculture sector today.
