The Role of Women in the Traditional Cattle Fattening and Marketing Activities in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the involvement of women in the traditional cattle fattening and marketing in West Hararghe, four selected districts, namely Habro, Gemechis, Chiro and Tullo. For the purpose of this study, two kebeles (the smallest administrative unit) per district were selected. Data was collected with the help of structured questioner, focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII) and personal observation. Woredas and kebeles were selected purposively while 160 respondents were selected using systematic sampling and these respondents were directly involved in the structured interview. The result of this assessment showed that only 2.5% of 160 households who participated in the survey were females. However, the involvement of women in the routine management activities had a paramount importance in the study areas. Educating females so that they can understand gender equity and easily adopt to new agricultural technologies and organizing them in saving and credit associations and assisting them with financial credit services is recommended.

Keywords: Fattening, women, cattle fattening