Exploring women’s attitude and role in agricultural practices: Evidence from Satna district, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods in India, with women playing a vital yet often underrecognized role in this sector. Despite their significant contributions to farm labour, women's participation is frequently constrained by socio-cultural norms, limited access to resources, and inadequate training opportunities. This study aims to assess the attitudes, knowledge, and participation of rural women in agricultural activities in the Sohawal and Unchehra blocks of Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 120 women respondents were selected using simple random sampling from four villages—Susuwar, Kanchanpur, Mahdeii, and Beerpur. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using percentage and frequency methods. The findings reveal that a majority of women (80%) believe they are equally capable as men in performing farm work, and 91.66% agree that women should participate in farm decision-making. All respondents (100%) believe that farm work done by women is undervalued. While 75% reported enjoying farm activities, 93.33% acknowledged the physical strain as a limiting factor. Additionally, 81.66% expressed a need for training in advanced farming techniques, and 95.83% reported that social norms hinder women’s involvement in agriculture. Notably, 90% of the respondents felt confident managing farm activities independently. The study concludes that rural women possess a strong sense of capability and interest in agriculture but face notable challenges that hinder their full participation. Addressing these issues through targeted training programs, awareness initiatives, and supportive policies is crucial for empowering women, improving agricultural productivity, and promoting gender equity in rural development.