Contribution of Rural Women in Vegetable Cultivation in Homegardens of Nainital District, Kumaun Himalaya, India

Abstract

Homegardens are usually the small piece of land surrounding the house. They are important agroecosystems and are a source of subsistence and cash resources. The aim of present study was to analyse contribution of rural women in homegarden vegetable cultivation in Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya, India. Data were collected from 100 respondents by using random sampling method. Participatory interview technique was used to collect data. Observation of homegardens revealed that women play a key role in homegarden vegetable cultivation. Majority of rural women were independently participating (60%) in homegarden vegetable cultivation while 40% women participated jointly with men. Characteristics of rural women such as age, level of education, family size, homegarden size, knowledge about homegarden etc vary from place to place and affect contribution of rural women insignificantly. In order to enable women to actively participate in the various activities related to homegarden vegetable cultivation there is a great need to promote change in policies, laws and development programmes.