Determinants of women’s empowerment in agriculture: a multidimensional analysis
摘要
Today’s global development strategy has given women’s empowerment a higher emphasis because it is closely related to many different development outcomes. However, empowering women requires a comprehensive and integrated effort that goes beyond a single dimension. This study sought to investigate the multiple facets of women’s empowerment and the factors that influence each facet in Northern Ghana. Using the Abbreviated Women Empowerment Agricultural Index (A-WEAI), the study reveals that approximately 58.15% of women in Northern Ghana experience disempowerment, with workload and group membership being the primary indicators contributing to their disempowerment. The multivariate probit (MVP) model was employed to identify factors that influence the six indicators of A-WEAI. The study identifies a few variables that have a significant influence on women’s empowerment indicators, including marital status, education, household size, gender of the household head, marital type, and regional variances. Inclusive women’s groups and diverse activities are recommended to address these issues and enhance empowerment outcomes. The study also emphasizes the importance of tailored initiatives, non-formal education, and region-specific strategies to address the unique challenges faced by women in different areas.