Accessibility and Preferences of Female-headed Households to various Livestock Extension Services in Small scale Dairying: A Gender Analysis

The present study was carried out in mid western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh to understand the extent of access and preferences of female and male-headed households for various livestock extension services in small scale dairying. Data were collected through interview schedule from 50 female and 50 male-headed households. The study revealed that females heading the households were purchasing most of the animal health related inputs mainly from local market, however, they vaccinated the animals in block veterinary hospital. More than half of male respondents were taking mineral mixture, vaccines and dewormers (37%) from block veterinary hospital. Eighty per cent female respondents had poor access to extension services and training (84%) as compared to 64% male respondents. Statistically significant differences were observed between female and male-headed households for the accessibility of extension services, training, public & private animal health services as well as for marketing.