RURAL WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN LIVESTOCK REARING: A STUDY IN SOME SELECTED AREAS UNDER PABNA DISTRICT

Abstract

The significant role of women in various agricultural sectors cannot be denied, including livestock rearing, which involves the majority of rural women. Despite their contributions to food production, women face challenges in accessing knowledge, technology, credit and land compared to men and are rarely beneficiaries of agricultural incentives and innovation. This study aims to determine the socioeconomic

status of rural women involved in livestock rearing, the determinants of women participation in livestock rearing, and the barriers they faced. Primary data was collected in June to July 2022. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of women participation in livestock rearing. The results indicate that education level, experience, knowledge on livestock rearing, and extension contact have a positive impact on rural women's participation in livestock rearing, while age and family size have a negative impact. However, factors like training and membership of social organizations have no impact on participation. Challenges faced by rural women in livestock rearing include disease outbreaks, high feed costs, lack of grassland, low milk prices, limited access to credit, and a shortage of trained vaccination workers. Policies and programs should prioritize the productivity and economic empowerment of women in agriculture to ensure sustainable development.