Women in Home garden Agro forestry system of Sidama, SNNPRS, Ethiopia

Abstract 7 April, 2015 The study was carried in dry rain fed food crop and irrigated cash crop producing areas in Sidama, SNNPR Ethiopia. Data was collected by using structural questioners from ninety households. In addition to interview a group discussion and farming system observation had been carried to check the respondents answer realty in the areas. The objectives of study are to identify the roles of women's in management and utilization of home garden agroforestry in Southern Ethiopia. Study reveal that women were conserving a variety of fruits, vegetable, medicinal plants and spices in their home gardens. The 90% of crop and 10% tree species were preferred by women to be cultivated within home gardens. There also finds that women have a responsible for subsistence economies and accepted for their contribution of labor within the families. The collection of fuel wood, food and water for household need are the responsibility of women. They contribute 51 % of labor for their households. The crop produced for food was managed by women, where as the crop produced for cash were managed by both men and women. The control of resource has also depended up on the crop grown. The role of women in control of low cash crop and mostly food crops for their household consumption. There also women control animal product like milk and butter. Women income indirectly related with control 25 to 40 percentages of home garden resources in cash crop and food crop areas respectively. The overall incomes of household are directly related with women income and statically significant at 0.05%. Thus, Women's in Boricha district specially are among the poorest people and most vulnerable to the harmful impact of climate. In general, the rural women are highly dependent on natural resource for the livelihood of their families. How well these natural resources are managed determines the quality of life of the people and the sustainability of the production system