Title: Seed information and communication networks of male and female farmers: A micro level study in Bangladesh
Abstract: Challenges in getting across the farming information equally to both men and women in many developing countries are partly due to the inadequate attention to gender sensitive information and communication network. This study aimed to understand crop seed information and communication network pattern of men and women in a north-western village in Bangladesh. A sociometric survey was conducted using a 'representative enact system of sampling' encompassing each household. Out of 128 households of which farming being the main source of livelihoods 75 were selected randomly. Two individuals (usually husband and wife), who are the decision-making unit in the household, were interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistic. The findings indicate that women farmers have comparatively lower communication exposure than men. Women have intensive contact with sources only within their neighborhoods. Formal sources of information (extension agent and NGO worker) have fewer ties with both men and women and their ties are negligible with the women farmers. Albeit all possible patterns of network exist (e.g. male-male; male-female; female-male; female-female) female-male and female-female networks have more connectedness compared to male-male and male-female networks. Women are more likely to play important roles as nodal farmers in a community since crop seed information may flow from women to men as well as to other women effectively and in a speedy manner. We argued that locally made videos could be an important communication tool, when used either in the mass media or in the group learning sessions, to complement formal sources and to reach out women farmers in wider geographical area. The outcome will also depend on the types of intermediaries and their competencies to target men and women clients considering clique in the network and gender patterns of communication.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 2
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