Assessment of Rural Women Participation on Income Generating Activities in Assosa District, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

The study examined the income generating activities of women in Assosa district, BGR, western Ethiopia. The study applied two stage sampling techniques to select nighnty nine women for the study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Frequency, percentages and tables were used as means of data presentation. The reaserch result reaveled that most (37.7%) of the respondents were between the age category of 26-35 years, most primary educational level attendants (39.36%) with low participation at secondary and above levels, most married (67%). The most prominent IGAs undertaken by rural women in the study area were selling fruit and vegitables, selling animal product, engaging in petty trading, hair dressing, firewood selling and charcoal. The level of gross margin of the IGAs made by women were positive, indicating their average monthly earned revenue was greater than what they are expending per month. Womens who were generating income in engaging in different IGAs face a considerable constraint such as credit access shortage, lack of technical support and training, lack of business premises, lack of reliable market problem and infrastructural problems. Outcome to these study, it is recommended that womens, as entrepreuners, can support increasing household income level in specific and national income level, in general if the concerned body supports them in different aspects.

Keywords: Rural, Women’s,  Income Generation, Assosa, Western Ethiopia