Women Role in Agricultural Value Chain:Review in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country where more than 85% of its population depend on rain fed agriculture. Agriculture is the back bone of the national economy. Both men and women have been playing a significant role in the development of agricultural production. This paper draws on the available empirical evidence to review in which areas and to what degree women participate along agricultural value chain. Women make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in all developing countries. Their roles vary considerably between and within regions. Their activities typically include producing agricultural crops, processing and marketing. Rural women often manage complex households and pursue multiple livelihood strategies. Their activities typically include producing agricultural crops, tending animals, processing and preparing food, working for wages in agricultural or other rural enterprises, collecting fuel and water, engaging in trade and marketing, caring for family members and maintaining their homes. However, evidence suggests that women tend to lose income and control as a product moves from the farm to the market. Women participation influenced by social, cultural, demographic, institutional and economic factors. So, it needs both governmental and non-governmental organizations intervention to support, encourage and give priority for increasing production, processing and marketing of agricultural products and minimize differences among women and men. Keywords: women, women role and agricultural value chain DOI : 10.7176/JCSD/45-03