Abstract

Deginet Berhanu* and Jimate Guye

Gender role in agroforestry management is given little recognition partly due to cultural and traditional bias against men and women. This study was conducted to investigate the gender role of women and men in home garden agroforestry management. A total of 334 sample households from the two Kebeles were randomly selected for data collection. The two major home garden agroforestry systems practiced in the study area were agrosilvopastoral (88.5%) and agrosilvicultural (9%). Men and women have a different role in managing home garden agroforestry in the study area. Crops produced for cash (coffee and khat) were managed by men, whereas, crops produced for food (Ensete and vegetables) were managed and controlled by women. On average, 98.7% and 91% of all management activities of inset and vegetables were carried out by women, whereas, about 92% of all management activities of coffee and khat were carried out by men. Based on the overall analysis of the role of gender in home-garden agroforestry management, participation of women was higher than men in manuring, weeding, harvesting, taking animal care and marketing of home-garden products, while land preparation, planting activities and selling of products were done by men. Even though women play important role in the home garden agroforestry management activities, it’s seemingly low in control of cash when compared to the men in the study area. Therefore, based on the finding, the study recommended that, the unfair distribution of labor division to control cash crop by men only by giving little quota for women should be clearly given due attention to enable home-garden agroforestry system remain sustainable.