GENDER ANALYSIS ON POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT OF SHIFERAWU (MORINGA STENOPETALS (Beker f.) Cufod. ): THE CASE OF DERASHE WOREDA , SNNPR ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Since recently, gender issues have drawn the attent ion of many scholars. As a result, there is an increasing interest to assess and investigate women ’s place and role in society with the aim of devising a sound solution to the problems they enco unter. The general objective of the study is to gain deeper understanding of gender relation and ro les on post-harvest management and utilization of agro-forestry with a particular refe rence to M. stenopetala. To achieve the stated objective, a cross-sectional survey design was empl oyed with a mixed approach of data collection and analysis. Both primary and secondary data were collected. These included both quantitative and qualitative data and information. The population of the study comprised from 3 potential Moringa growing kebeles of Derashe woreda . Among ten kebeles Holte, Ateya and Wolyte are selected by simple random sampling techn iques through lottery method. Then, households having married and single were targeted for the study. To this end, 69.4 % of sample households having married were drawn from each kebe le. Accordingly, 18%, 8.2% and 4% households were selected through systematic random sampling technique. Survey questionnaire, key informant interview, FGDs and observation were major tools to collect primary data. Books, theses, journals, official documents and credible i nternet sources were also major sources of secondary data. By using the methodology described above, intra-household dynamics in gender role and gender differential in post-harvest manage ment and utilization examined. As to the result of the study most of the harvesting is carri ed out by women for home consumption and supply to local market. The market survey and obser vations showed that a large number of women doing trading in the local market, but most o f them are poor women, those who have small land size and little agricultural productions and finally The study also revealed that every household activity including Moringa dishes prepara tions are carried out by women without any support of men. Therefore, women are over loaded an d play indispensible role in post-harvest management and utilization of Moringa. Therefore, t he study recommend that agricultural extension and advisory services can play a big role in meeting the challenges and assisting rural women farmers harness the enormous opportunities in the production and usage of Moringa tree, this will make it available for all, reduce p overty in the land and improve the livelihood situation of our developing Nation.