Gender Roles in Agricultural Production: An Analysis of Women Participation in Farming in Basti Noor Muhammad District

Abstract

The ethnographic study investigates the relationship between gender roles and agricultural production, specifically examining the involvement of women in farming activities in the community of Basti Noor Muhammad, situated in District Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to do this, I used a mixed-methods strategy, which included integrating participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. This enabled me to fully interact with the everyday routines of community people, directly see agricultural methods, and participate in meaningful conversations to get a thorough comprehension of the topic. By engaging in participant observation, I dedicated a significant amount of time observing and accompanying women farmers as they actively participated in a range of agricultural activities, including planting, harvesting, and managing animals. This immersion methodology yielded excellent insights into the allocation of tasks and responsibilities inside agricultural families, particularly with regards to the specific roles and duties assigned to women. In addition, I conducted comprehensive interviews with female farmers, male heads of households, and community leaders to investigate their viewpoints on gender roles in agriculture. These interviews allowed me to explore in more depth the socio-cultural norms, economic limitations, and institutional obstacles that impact women's involvement in agricultural activities. In addition, I organized focus group sessions to encourage discourse and interaction among community members addressing the gender dynamics in agricultural production. The conversations unveiled common perspectives, shared experiences, and possible tactics for augmenting women's empowerment in agriculture. By doing thorough research of the qualitative data collected, I have uncovered numerous significant discoveries. Women in Basti Noor Muhammad have crucial roles in agricultural production, making major contributions to both family food security and revenue creation. Nevertheless, their involvement is often restricted by reasons like as restricted availability of resources, patriarchal social norms, and insufficient acknowledgement within official agricultural establishments. Furthermore, I saw discrepancies in women's involvement in agricultural tasks, which were influenced by criteria such as age, marital status, and socio-economic standing. Younger women often engaged in agricultural chores, while elder women took on supervisory positions inside the home. This ethnographic study provides insight into the intricate dynamics of gender roles in agricultural production and emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and resolving gender inequities to promote inclusive and sustainable development in rural communities such as Basti Noor Muhammad. This research promotes gender-responsive policies and actions to empower women farmers and ensure their fair access to agricultural resources and opportunities by highlighting their perspectives and experiences.