Maize production efficiency in the Arsi Negele farming zone of Ethiopia: a gender prespective

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the major factors influencing the maize production of male-headed and female-headed households. The behavioural analysis and intervention model developed by Dvel, (1975, 1991) was used as the conceptual basis to guide the investigation, which involved a random sample of 120 male and 33 female heads of households.



The differences in adoption behaviour can be attributed primarily to differences in the knowledge level and perceived production efficiency, which are closely associated with gender. The effect of gender becomes manifested in significant differences in education, draught power (number of oxen), and access to extension and to credit.


South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol.32 2003: 60-72