Role of farm women in the decision making process of a farming community

Abstract

A study was undertaken among the farm women of Nadar community in Neyyattinkara taluk of Trivandrum district to analyse the role played by them in decision making related to their farm and home. The study revealed that more than 50 per cent of the respondents perceived six areas viz., decisions regarding purchase and sale of land, storage and marketing of produce, care and management of animals, family budget and children's education as very important, whereas decisions regarding plant protection and implements to be used were perceived as not important. Among the 14 areas studied, joint decision were made in purchase and sale of land, care and management of animals and children's education. Independent decisions were made in storage and marketing of produce. Majority of the respondents participated in implementing the decisions, in storage and marketing of produce and care and management of animals.