Roles of gender in local chicken production in Bukedea sub county, Bukedea district.

Abstract

The study was conducted in Bukedea Sub County in Bukedea district and the targeted population was indigenous chicken poultry farmers. The research assessed gender division of labor and decision making in chicken production. Chicken in. Bukedea generally belong to women and kept for home consumption and sale for income Chicken was mainly acquired through purchase followed by inheritance and through gifts from relatives and friends Across sectional survey was carried out to collect both quantitative and qualitative data with structured questionnaires and interviews, Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16 was employed for the data analysis. The results were presented in form of tables pie charts, and graphs. A grass-roots study involving 120 households was conducted to assess the gender roles in local chicken production in Bukedea sub county, Bukedea District. Information from questionnaires and focus group discussions showed 65% of the households were male beaded while 35% were female headed. Chicken generally belonged to women and was acquired through purchase (40%).The study shows women participate in the, feeding and watering of village chicken, (53%), Letting the chicken out in the morning (65%), letting the chicken in the shelter in the evening (59%), cleaning chicken house (71%), eggs collection (65%), incubation (78%) while men did construction of chicken house (64%)). Ensuring that there is a breeding cock (69%), Purchase of inputs (77%), Administration of drugs (49%). Security of the chicken (43%), seeking for treatment of chicken (38%), and, taking care of chicken (35%) were responsibilities shared between men 'and women. In the male headed households, Decision making on the consumption of chicken (53%), use of the earnings from chicken (59%) was mainly decided up on and controlled by men while in female headed households, Decision making on the consumption of chicken (50%) Use of the earnings from chicken (60%) was mainly decided up. on and. controlled by a woman. Replacement of indigenous Chickens with exotic chicken (24%) Equal distribution of resources and responsibilities between men and women (33%), are suggested for increasing. chicken production. There is a need to develop a sound bottom-up planning system to enable Women chicken farmers to participate in all stages of the planning cycle for chicken production.