Gender Perspectives on the Dynamics of Lentil and Chickpea Production: the Case of Gimbichu and Minjar-Shenkora Districts, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia has different agro-ecologies conducive for producing different crops. The country is the home of different pulse grain production and it was increased between 2000-2012 (Vincent and Jason 2013). Twelve pulse types are grown in the country (IFPRI, 2010); of these lentil and chickpea are high-value pulse crops. Ethiopia is the largest lentil and chickpea producer in Africa (UN Food & Agriculture Organization, 2013). Pulses are grown throughout the country and account for 13% of cropped land area; production is concentrated in Amhara and Oromiya regions (Frehiwot, 2009 and IFPRI, 2010). These two regions cover more than 90% of the entire chickpea area and constitute about 92% of the total chickpea production. The 2008/9 total lentil production accounted 58% in Amhara and 32% in Oromia took the first and the second position (Frehiwot, 2009, Menale et al., 2009). Both men and women play important role in agricultural activities in developing countries; also both have been playing a significant role in the development of agricultural production in Ethiopia. Since Ethiopia is the country of multi-ethnic and cultural groups, all ethnic and cultural groups have different gender roles in agriculture. Women are major contributors to the economy, both through their remunerative work on farms and through the unpaid work they traditionally render at home and in the community. The objectives of the study are: To identify the current situation of lentil and chickpea production and market in Gimichu and Minjar shenkora, 2. To assess challenges (existing thoughts and practices) that effect gender inequalities in lentil and chickpea production and market and 3. To document the gender issues of lentil and chickpea in terms of production and productivity, and market constraints encountered by the farmers.