Gender differences in risk perceptions and management strategies among small scale holder farmers “A case of Butambala County"

Abstract

This study analyzed the gender differences in risk perception and management strategies of small-scale holder farmers. Primary data was collected from 80 respondents through a structured questionnaire in four sub-counties Gombe, Kibibi, Bujumba and Kalamba subcounties of Butambala district. The specific objectives included; 1) To assess the male and female farmers’ perception of risks faced in their production systems in Butambala Sub County, 2) To identify the management practices male and female farmers use to mitigate their perceived risks in the farming systems in Butambala Sub County, 3) To determine the factors that influence the likelihood of risk as perceived by male and female farmers.

The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric regression model to understand farmers’ knowledge and perception regarding risks and their management strategies. Descriptive statistics revealed that majority of the farmers were risk averse, and production risks, marketing risks, human resource risks and transportation risks were the main risks perceived by the farmers. In addition, production management tools, diversification strategies, financial reserves were identified as the major strategies used by the farmers. Results of the Poisson regression model indicated that access to information (extension services), size of land holding and farm income were the significant factors that affect the farmers’ risk perception and management strategies.

It is suggested that it is essential to support and never to undermine the small holder farmers’ ways of managing risks through diversification of assets, incomes and activities. One way can be through improving and diversifying the skill base of households and development of rural non-farm sector since they contribute greatly to their financial reserves. Because diversification is like a self-insurance scheme for everyone that enables many households to reduce risks in the failure of rural markets.