Abstract:
The objective of the study was assessing gender roles in potato production and marketing in
the study area. Relevant information was gathered from 193 potato producers by using
primary and secondary sources of data. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.
The result indicated that in seed collection (46.3%), land preparation (60.3%), planting
(96.8%), weeding (50.3%), cultivation (32.6%), Harvesting (38%), transporting (39.9%) and
marketing (68.9%) of women respondents participate. Decisions about production and
marketing of potato in the study area was mainly taken by men and in some cases, women
participates. The main challenges that hinder gender participation in potato production and
marketing was lack of access and control over assets(19.2%), lack of control of
income(30.6%), Lack of land (6.7%) and lack of decision making on potato
production(39.9%). Therefore, increasing opportunities for women, giving recognition,
encouraging, documenting and disseminating their role can have a positive influence on
productivity of potato.
