The ANALYSIS OF GENDER ENGAGEMENT IN DAIRY FARMING IN BHUTAN

Abstract

The availability of adequate sex-disaggregated and gender-specific data in the farming sector plays a crucial role in making informed policy decisions, promoting increased farm output, enhancing rural income, and improving the overall well-being of families and communities. The objective of this study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles of men and women, their access to and control over resources, and the constraints faced by women in dairy farming. Data from a total of 120 respondents across four regions of the country were analyzed to provide insights into the variations in gender relations within the context of dairy farming. The roles of men, women, boys, and girls, access to and control over resources between men and women, and constraints faced by women in dairy farming were assessed.   To assess the involvement and access to and control over resources between men and women, a three-point scale (mostly men, mostly women, both or jointly) was employed and yes and no were used for boys and girls to examine their participation in dairy farming activities. A Likert Scale was employed to examine the constraints faced by women in dairy farming. The findings revealed that both men and women were engaged in all activities, suggesting that dairy farming in Bhutan is gender-neutral. There was the presence of gender disparities, with women having significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of involvement and better access to and control over resources compared to men. The observed variations in gender involvement highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse contributions of each gender category in the dairy farming sector. This understanding is crucial for developing inclusive and effective agricultural policies and programs. The study identified several constraints faced by women in dairy farming, underscoring the need for targeted interventions that address the specific needs and challenges of women dairy farmers in Bhutan. Acknowledging and leveraging the diverse contributions made by each gender category and addressing the challenges faced by women in the dairy farming sector can lead to more sustainable and equitable agricultural practices. Additionally, further exploration is necessary to investigate and understand the underlying factors contributing to the observed variations in gender roles and relations within the context of dairy farming in Bhutan.

Keywords: Access to; constraints; control over; dairy farming; gender; roles.