Hidden Overburden of Female-Headed Households in Guar Bean Production: Zimbabwean Experience

Authors

Innocent W. Nyakudya
V. J. Murewa
M. J. Mutenje
M. Moyo
T. J. Chikuvire
R. Foti

Abstract

The study was done on a guar bean-growing project in Makachi area, Zimbabwe. The study objectives were to determine ownership of resources, time spent on production and access to information by male-headed and female-headed households. Data collection and analysis were based on the FAO Gender Analysis Framework. Results showed that male-headed households had more ownership of resources and spent less time on production; access to information was equal; female-headed households allocated a greater proportion of their land to guar bean production and matched their male counterparts in the mean yield. While inter-household exchanges helped female-headed households access draft power and farming equipment, obligations associated with these exchanges were found to be a source of overburden to female-headed households.

Author Biography

Innocent W. Nyakudya, Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe

V. J. Murewa, Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe

M. J. Mutenje, Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe

M. Moyo, Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe

T. J. Chikuvire, Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe

R. Foti, Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe

Recommended Citation

Nyakudya, Innocent W.; Murewa, V. J.; Mutenje, M. J.; Moyo, M.; Chikuvire, T. J.; and Foti, R. (2006) "Hidden Overburden of Female-Headed Households in Guar Bean Production: Zimbabwean Experience," Journal of International Women's Studies: Vol. 8: Iss. 1, Article 12.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol8/iss1/12