Role of Rural Women in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Production in Nagcarlan, Laguna, 2019

Date

1-2020

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Imelda R. Molina

Committee Member

Imelda R. Molina, Antonio Jesus A. Quilloy, Agham C. Cuevas

Abstract

The study was undertaken to identify the role of women in tomato production activities. Specifically, the study identified the wage gap between male and female laborers, and whether the participation of women in tomato production affected farm productivity.

In doing so, the study utilized the data collected from tomato-farming households in Nagcarlan, Laguna. A total number of 83 farmer-operators, 49 males and 34 females, who were actively working during the production period of tomato in the 2019 dry season were selected using simple random sampling method. Data were analyzed using simple statistical techniques, women empowerment index, and as well as t-test for two independent sample groups. An analysis of the division of labor between the male and female spouses on each household showed that in terms of contribution, nearly 30% and 70% of the total time spent of the operators were done by the male and female spouses, respectively. It was found that male spouses spent 56.60 person-days/ha, family labor spent 26.74 person-days/ha, hired labor spent 25.26 person-days/ha, and female spouses spent only 23.72 person-days/ha. The average wage rate in the area was PhP 400 per person-day for both male and female workers, indicating that there was no wage gap between male and female farm workers. The WEI shows that men were relatively more empowered than women in terms of their decision-making power on various farm activities. The results of the t-test analyses suggest that the years of schooling, fertilizer use, time spent by the female spouses, and the WEI score had significant differences between the male and female-operators. This means that these differences may affect the productivity of tomato farming. Despite the positive role of women in production activities, their contributions were often neglected in terms of the total time spent in tomato production and their WEI. Their role in tomato production was being undervalued because of the lack of significant time spent in tomato planting. However, they participate more in the marketing and postharvest aspects of production.

This study recommends to recognize women's role in tomato production and encourage them to participate more in the planting of tomatoes. This may strengthen their position within the family, become more empowered in decision-making, and increase their self-esteem and status in the society.

Language

English

LC Subject

Agriculture, Economic Aspects, Production

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2020 A14 B56

Document Type

Thesis

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