WOMEN IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN THE WEST GONJA DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

A study was carried out in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region from February, 2005 -July, 2005 to determine the role of women in livestock production. A total of 70 women were randomly selected from 10 communities. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the women to gather the relevant data. A total of 20 men were also randomly sampled from the 10 communities to determine their perception about women in livestock production. Focus group discussion was used in obtaining information from the men. The results from the study revealed that women have numerous roles they play in livestock production. These include provision of feed, water, cleaning of animal structure and treating sick animals. Most women owned the animals they kept, particularly the small ruminants and poultry. The ownership of cattle was ascribed to the household head who is a man, implying that women are not permitted to keep cattle. Problems such as theft, finance, illiteracy, inadequate veterinary personnel were some of the problems hindering women in livestock production. It was realized from the study that most men had bad perception about women in livestock production. They claim that women who own livestock, particularly cattle, do not respect men.