The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Women Rice Producers in Ndop, Cameroon and the Implications for Gender Roles

Authors

Lotsmart N. Fonjong
Mbah Fongkimeh Athanasia

Abstract

In most communities in Cameroon, traditional norms mandate that rural women fulfill the reproductive roles of child bearing, home management and food provision for the family. Thus, these women are unable to exercise any influential economic voice- they can hardly earn income. Cash agriculture like rice production provides a possible outlet for the empowerment of these women in rice producing areas. However, this agricultural work would solve one problem for the women and create another. Any attempt to encourage these women to work outside their homes may increase their workload. This paper examines the situation of female rice farmers in Ndop, Cameroon and argues that although rice production may have been beneficial to women and the society as a whole, it has implications for gender roles that go beyond the purview of women’s empowerment.

Author Biography

Lotsmart N. Fonjong, Department of Women and Gender Studies, FSMS, University of Buiea, Cameroon

Mbah Fongkimeh Athanasia, Department of Women and Gender Studies, FSMS, University of Buiea, Cameroon

Recommended Citation

Fonjong, Lotsmart N. and Athanasia, Mbah Fongkimeh (2007) "The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Women Rice Producers in Ndop, Cameroon and the Implications for Gender Roles," Journal of International Women's Studies: Vol. 8: Iss. 4, Article 10.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol8/iss4/10