Animal Husbandry Decision-Making Patterns of Women in Agriculture

Author: Ankita Pandey and D.P. Rai

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Abstract

Rural women are crucial decision-makers when it comes to animal husbandry techniques. It was deemed worthwhile to research rural women's contributions to animal husbandry and their participation in decisions on animal husbandry techniques. This research paper explores the crucial role of rural women in decision-making related to animal husbandry. The research is based on a sample of 340 respondents from Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh, India, and highlights the variations in decision making across different practices viz. breeding, feeding, fodder production, management practices, milk products making, marketing, housing facility, health care practices, daily practices, financial practices and profit utilization. This knowledge can guide policymakers and stakeholders in designing interventions and strategies to enhance the involvement of rural women and promote their active participation in decision-making processes. The active involvement of rural women in decision-making processes related to animal husbandry is critical for sustainable agricultural practices and rural development, and this research provides valuable insights to facilitate the same.

Keywords

Animal husbandry, Breeding, Decision-making, Economics, Marketing

Conclusion

This research paper highlights the crucial role played by women in animal husbandry practices in rural areas and sheds light on their decision-making patterns related to animal health, breeding, feeding, and marketing. The findings reveal that women make independent decisions in various aspects of animal husbandry practices such as breeding programs, selection of breeds, and selection of adults. However, their decision-making is limited in some areas such as pregnancy diagnosis and artificial insemination, where consultation with their husband or family members is common. The results indicates that enhancing women's participation in decision-making processes in animal husbandry activities can lead to improved agricultural productivity, increased economic growth, and enhanced food security. Therefore, gender-sensitive policies and interventions are required to support and empower women in agriculture by providing them with access to information, technology, markets, and addressing social norms that limit their participation in decision-making processes.

References

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How to cite this article

Ankita Pandey and D.P. Rai (2023). Animal Husbandry Decision-Making Patterns of Women in Agriculture. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 779-785.