Extent of participation of women in selected farm and non-farm activities

Abstract

The study entitled “Extent of Participation of Women in Selected Farm and Non-Farm Activities” was undertaken to assess the level, nature, and determinants of women’s engagement in various livelihood activities in the rural context of Maharashtra. Women play an indispensable role in sustaining agricultural and allied sectors, yet their contributions often remain undervalued and under-documented. The research was conducted during 2024-25 in Parbhani district using an ex-post facto research design. A total of 150 farm women were selected through a multistage random sampling procedure from six villages across Jintur and Selu tehsils. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured and pre-tested schedule, and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and correlation coefficients. Results revealed that women’s participation was highest in labor-intensive and traditionally assigned farm activities such as weeding (90%), harvesting (70%), and winnowing (60%). Moderate participation was recorded in land preparation (38.67%) and cattle care (40%), while minimal involvement was observed in technically demanding or male-dominated activities such as fertilizer application (14%), irrigation (15%), and pesticide use (7%). In the non-farm sector, women were most active in home-based enterprises like pickle making (70%) and sweets/snacks preparation (74.67%), whereas participation in weaving (10.67%), tailoring (20%), and handicrafts (5.33%) remained limited. Only 10% and 3% of respondents participated in marketing of farm and non-farm products respectively, indicating restricted access to markets and decision-making domains. Overall, the findings underscore that while rural women contribute substantially to agricultural productivity and household sustenance, their engagement remains confined to supportive and low-remunerative roles. Addressing these disparities through gender-sensitive policies, capacity building, and enhanced access to productive resources and markets is essential for realizing their full economic potential and fostering inclusive rural development.