Gender Assessment of the Hill Farming Systems in Nepal

In rapid process of globalization, this study was conducted to examine the nature and extent of consequences of globalization in agriculture with gender perspectives in two VDCs, namely, Arthunge and Vakimli, of hill district of Myagdi. The information was generated through household survey, key informant interview, focus group discussion, field observation. The findings revealed that hill farming system is characterized by growing food deficiency, indigenous technology and practices, and limited extension services. In given condition, women work more hours than men. Men have relatively more access to as well as control over resources (agricultural inputs. Both men and women have equal access to and control over the benefit obtained from states resources and services, but women lack control over the cash earning. Men and women make most decisions jointly. But men make most of the decisions for economic activities. With the increase in male out-migration, the workload for women and children has increased. In overall, globalization process does not seem to contribute towards the improvement of agricultural activities, nor towards poverty reduction.

Autorentext

Purna B. Nepali, Ph.D. on Human and Natural Resources Studies specializing on land reform, livelihood and social conflict in Nepal from Kathmandu University/Zurich University with Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South fellowship. Currently, he is Executive Director of Consortium for Land Research and Policy Dialogue.