Assessment of Women Empowerment through Small-scale Dairy Farming: A Study in Kashmir using Structural Equation Modelling

Author: Saima Sadif Paul and Neelofer Khan

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Abstract

Current thinking is that small-scale dairy farming is one of the best ways for rural women to make the most of their scarce resources and acquire the knowledge and abilities that could lead to greater independence and empowerment. Researchers found that while much research has examined the effects of empowering women in business, few have looked explicitly at the dairy industry. The current study aims to quantify rural women's empowerment in India's Kashmir Region and identify the key success elements that contribute to empowerment. The results from regression analysis (structural equation modelling) show that five factors (Community support scale; family support, creativity, financial access and personality) lead to entrepreneurial success, enhancing empowerment amongst dairy women farmers. This study offers numerous practical and theoretical implications, especially less access to lands, loans and machinery. The current research showed that through small scale dairy farming rural women were able to enhance their confidence and decision-making power besides supporting their family, society as well as to nation in end.

Keywords

Women empowerment, dairy farming, community support scale, family support, creativity, financial access

Conclusion

According to the study's findings, access to capital, women's creativity, personality traits, and family and community support are determinants for female dairy entrepreneurs' success leading to their empowerment. The government could implement some policy measures addressing access to credit by providing small loans to women dairy farmers. Programmes could be conducted in rural communities to explain the benefits of dairy farming and enhance the personality of women through training. Community support centres can be established for women dairy farmers.

References

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How to cite this article

Saima Sadif Paul and Neelofer Khan (2023). Assessment of Women Empowerment through Small-scale Dairy Farming: A Study in Kashmir using Structural Equation Modelling. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 727-734.