Rural Non-Farm Diversification, Gender and Labour Allocation to Farm: Evidence from India
41 Pages Posted: 21 Aug 2019
Date Written: February 24, 2019
Abstract
The present study contributes to the limited literature on the interlinkage between household non-farm diversification, agricultural feminization and female autonomy in farming. The study uses unit level data from the India Human Development Survey for the years 2004-05 and 2011-12. The paper employs Instrumental Variable regression methods to study such interlinkages. The results show household non-farm diversification to be a significant factor contributing to the feminization of agriculture. Further, greater participation of women in agriculture significantly contributes to female autonomy in farm decision-making. The results are robust to the use of alternative indicators of agricultural feminization. Further robustness checks support the overall conclusions of the paper. The study concludes with some policy suggestions.
Keywords: Rural; Non-Farm; Agriculture; Female; Empowerment; Instrumental Variable
JEL Classification: C26; J16; J43; O13; Q15
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation