| Abstract: | recently, gender issues have drawn the attention 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 encounter. The general objective of the study is to
gain deeper understanding of gender relation and roles on post-harvest management and
utilization of agro-forestry with a particular reference to M. stenopetala. To achieve the stated
objective, a cross-sectional survey design was employed 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 techniques 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 kebele. 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 internet 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 management and utilization examined. As to the
result of the study most of the harvesting is carried out by women for home consumption and
supply to local market. The market survey and observations showed that a large number of
women doing trading in the local market, but most of 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 preparations are carried out by women without any
support of men. Therefore, women are over loaded and play indispensible role in post-harvest
management and utilization of Moringa. Therefore, the 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 poverty in the land and improve the livelihood
situation of our developing Nation. |
