Perceived constraints of tribal women in agriculture

Women empowerment generally refers to the process by which women enhance their power to take control over decisions that shape their lives in relation to access to resources, participation in decision making and control over distribution benefits. The present study was conducted in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. A sample of 300 respondents was selected (150 beneficiaries and 150 non-beneficiaries) through population proportionate to sample size from six blocks representing 24 villages. A pre-tested interview schedule was administered to the respondents. Relevant data on constraints with respect to social, economic, psychological, and technological constraints were analysed. Under social constraints heavy workload on women ranked first (91%) and under economic constraints biggest constraint was lack of proper market facilities (89%). In overall psychological constraints worry about children being left uncared ranked I (92%); biggest political constraint was lack of cooperation and coordination from local leaders (89.33%) and lack of knowledge of postharvest technology constraint ranked at number one (93.66%) under technological constraints. All these multiple hindrances for the empowerment of tribal women could be easily nullified by sincere efforts made by the developmental agencies by planning effective policies and extension personnel giving their services.