Predictors of women’s participation in crop farming and livestock rearing in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the predictors of women’s participation in crop farming and livestock rearing in Uganda. Specifically, it assessed the effects of land size and tenure systems, access to extension services, availability of financial and input resources, and selected socio-demographic characteristics on women’s engagement in the two agricultural subsectors. Given that women constitute a substantial share of Uganda’s agricultural workforce, identifying these predictors is critical for informing targeted and inclusive agricultural policies. The study employed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and logistic regression techniques using data from the 2019 Annual Agricultural Survey. The results indicate that 57.7 percent of women participated in crop farming, while 62.9 percent were involved in livestock rearing. In crop farming, land tenure emerged as a key determinant, with Mailo and customary tenure reducing participation, while access to public land and larger land sizes increased women’s engagement. Access to extension services and storage facilities positively influenced participation, whereas reliance on radio or farmer-to-farmer information channels and being divorced or separated were associated with lower participation. In livestock rearing, Mailo tenure, access to extension services, farmer training, agricultural credit, transport, and storage facilities significantly enhanced women’s involvement, while leasehold tenure, higher levels of education, and information obtained through radio or informal sources reduced participation. Notable regional disparities were observed, with women in the Northern region being more likely to engage in livestock rearing than their counterparts in the Central region. The study recommends strengthening women’s access to and control over land, expanding agricultural extension and training services, and improving access to credit, transport, and storage infrastructure to enhance women’s participation in both crop farming and livestock rearing. In addition, policy interventions should account for socio-demographic differences by supporting single or divorced women, addressing regional inequalities, and promoting entrepreneurship and market linkages to encourage greater participation among educated women.