Women in agriculture : Findings from a sample survey in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh

A micro survey in the drought prone Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh showed that notwithstanding the enormous burden of agricultural work shouldered by women and their on-hands experience of agricultural activities, they had little say in farm-management decisions. They had more of a say in purchase of equipment and the purchase and sale of land, but this was due to the jewelry or land in their name, which was a source of finance. Women here not only spent long hours on farm work, they also spent hours every day on household chores and child care. Early marriages and frequent pregnancies, low literacy, unsafe working conditions (such as standing for hours in ankle deep waters), and little or no rest were among the adverse influences on their health and nutrition status. Apart from the need for radical land reform to promote joint land holdings or equal partnership in land, there is a need for appropriate technology, credit and extension services, training programmes, support services, especially for child care, and policies to ensure food security for poor women.