Determinants Variables for Women’s Participation in Non-Agricultural Livelihood Diversification Strategies in Ethiopia: A Logistic Regression Model Analysis

Abstract

Women represent almost half of the world population; the same is true in rural Ethiopia. However, in many countries, gender-based stereotypes and discrimination deny rural women equitable access to and control over land, labor, asset and opportunities for employment and income-generating activities. Having this rationale, very little is known about the determinants of women’s participation in non-farm livelihood activities in the rural economy of Ethiopia. Hence, the general objective of this study was to examine the determinants of women’s participation in non-farm livelihood diversification strategies in Shebel Berenta Woreda, Amhara Region. Mixed research method with explanatory research design was employed for data collection and data analysis. The questionnaire survey was collected from 267 systematically selected women from randomly selected four rural kebeles in the study area. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected quantitative data. Binary logistic regression model was employed to identify the factors that determine women’s participation in NFA in the study area. The result of binary logistic regression model showed that women’s age, marital status, educational status, land size, credit, non-farm training, and having triple gender roles were the major determinants of women’s participation in NFA in the study area. In line with the problems identified, the local government should work on awareness creation and education, provision of support, built local infrastructure, provision of credit and training to increase their participation in non-farm livelihood diversification. Keywords: Determinants; Non-farm, livelihood diversification, Participation, Logistic DOI: 10.7176/JPID/58-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2021