challenges of rural landholding right of women in damot pulasa district wolaita zone southern ethiopia

Abstract

XIII Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess challenges of rural landholding rights of women in Damot Pulasa Woreda.It used mixed methods approach and descriptive survey research design.Data were collected using questionnaire,focus group discussion,and interview.Three kebeles from 22 rural kebeles selected by using systematic random sampling technique.146 women were selected from three kebeles by using systematic random sampling technique to collect quantitative.The qualitative data was collected from the participants of FGD and interview that were selected purposely.The statistical data were analyzed by using descriptive(frequency and percentage) and inferential(one way ANOVA between groups) techniques. The qualitative data analyzed manually through careful interpretation of meanings and contents expressed by respondents.The finding showed that women landholding trend was highly contrasts legally ensured equal holding and using rights of women with men.Women themselves perceive their independent landholding as taboo and prohibits it.Even if they hold by different means,the plots of land they possess were small in size and not suitable for agriculture and house construction.The perception of women on rural land registration and certification benefit was also low.Result of the study indicated that the sociocultural setup of the community was a bottleneck for the women landholding rights.The major sociocultural factors were conservative community attitude,male superiority or patriarchy and customary authorities and clan system.The perception and awareness of women on different proclamations regarding women landholding rights was poor.There was no significant awareness on gap among women with different social status.The performance of responsible bodies to aware and support women was not adequate.The positive influence of statutory institutions in ensuring women landholding right is weak and the negative influence of customary institution is strong.Generally,the practice of women landholding highly contrasts the law.Thus,rural women and stakeholders should be initiated to organize and struggle for their equal landholding and administering rights.