According to statistics, 45.2% of the rural population was economically active in 1992 and women accounted for 24% of this labour force. Women's contribution to agriculture is greater, however, as statistics do not take into account women's unpaid family labour. Rural women are primarily engaged in food production and livestock raising for household use. They also work in agro-industries, and spend an average of 14 to 16 hours a day in agricultural and household tasks. Overall, about 42% of rural households are headed by women and in some zones as many as 60%, as a result of the armed conflict in the country.
Division of Labour by Gender. The gender division of labour differs according to crop and type of activity. In general, men are more active in cash crop production, and women in food production, especially basic grains, vegetables and fruits. Women are active in planting, fertilizing, harvesting, processing, storage and marketing. Women are mainly responsible for the transport and marketing of vegetables, and men of basic grains. Women and children are responsible for all household tasks, including water collection. Both women and men participate in the collection of wood.
Gender Relations in Decision-making in Farming Activities While decision-making is dominated by men, women have greater decision making power over the sale of vegetables and poultry and in the use of income for the income for the basic needs of the family.
