BIBLIOGRAPHY BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012. Role of Women on Vegetable
Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet. Benguet State University La Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Jamesly T. Andres, MSc
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the socio-demographic profile of the
respondents in Dalipey; the farm operations performed by women; and the problems
encountered by women in performing farm operations. Forty (40) women farmers were
randomly selected from the village as respondents of the study.
Respondents had ages ranging from 26 to 60 years old. All the respondents were
married; had household size ranging from 6 to 10 family members. Most of the respondents
were full time vegetable farmers had main source of income which was farming.
Generally, most respondents engaged in both heavy and light farm activities. They
are actively involved in land preparation, fertilizer application, planting, weeding, hilling-
up and harvesting activities. They participate in all stages of farming. However, there are
some respondents who actively participate in spraying of chemicals, marketing and only
few were involved in irrigation since their farms are rain fed irrigated.
The problems encountered by women in performing farm operations were that had
felt of empty stomach, head ache, muscle pain, back pain, wounds and stomach ache. These
problems exist due to chemical exposure during spraying and fertilizer application. Farm
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
hazards of women farmers were the result of chemical spill on their back and arms due to
leaking sprayers that causes skin problem such as itchiness and burning sensation on their
bodies.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the profile of respondents as to age, civil status, number of
family members, number of children studying, number of years in farming, farming status,
farm area, educational attainment and economic activity. It also reflects the farm operations
performed by women and the problems they encountered in performing farm operations.
Profile of the Respondents
Age bracket. Table 1 shows that the respondents have ages ranging from 26 to 60
years old. The greatest number belonged to 41 to 45 years old (47.5%) followed by 56 to
60 years old (32.5%) and 36 to 40 years old (15%). The marital status showed that 100%
of the respondents were married. This implies that they worked together with their husband
in performing farm operations.
Number of family members. The greatest number of the respondents had 10 family
members (22.5%); 17.5% had 8; 15% had 9 and 7 family members where most of their
children helped in the farm during weekends and school vacations. This shows that the
household size of the community is big as to compare to the recommended household size
which is 5.
Number of years in farming. Result shows that 50% of the respondents claimed that
they had seven years of farming experience; 22.5% respondents had 5 years and 15%
respondents had 6 years farming experience. All of the respondents claimed to have full
time in vegetable farming especially during peak season.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 1. Profile of respondents
PROFILE
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age bracket
26-30
1
2.50
31-35
1
2.50
36-40
6
15.00
41-45
19
47.50
46-60
13
32.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Number of family members
5
3
7.50
6
5
12.50
7
6
15.00
8
7
17.50
9
6
15.00
10
9
22.50
11
2
5.00
12
2
5.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Number of years in farming
4
4
10.00
5
9
22.50
6
6
15.00
7 and above
20
50.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 1 continued…
PROFILE
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Farm area
Less than 1 ha
15
37.50
2-3 ha.
13
32.50
3-5 ha.
9
22.50
5 ha and above
3
7.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Educational attainment
Elementary
10
25.00
High School
14
35.00
College
8
20.00
Vocational
8
20.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Economic activity
Farming
40
100.00
Store keeper
6
15.00
Gold panning
5
12.50
*multiple response
Farm area. The greatest number of the respondents were operating less than 1
hectare (37.5%) followed by 32.5% operating 2 to 3 hectares and 22.5% of respondents
operating 3 to 5 hectares. Farmers who are operating less than one hectare considered that
the farm area is not enough so they go to the extent of renting other farms outside the
village. This indicates that most respondents produce on a small scale basis of farm and
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
most of their farms are valued possession of families that are passed on from one generation
to the next.
Educational attainment. All respondents had gone to school. 35% of them were able
to step high school followed by 25% respondents who step elementary and 20% of were
able to step college and finished vocational courses. According to the respondents who did
not finish their studies, they eventually lost interest to go to school because of financial
problems and got married early. Some were lazy because of far distance of the school and
prefer to work on the farm.
Economic activity. The table shows that 100% of the respondents mentioned that
the main source of their income is farming. They consider farming as an adequate source
of income and subsistence. The other sources mentioned were store keeping and gold
panning activities.
Farm Operations Performed by
Women in Dalipey
The farm operations performed by women in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet is shown in
Table 2. All of the respondents mentioned that they performed fertilizer application,
planting, weeding, hilling-up and harvesting during cropping season where in most of the
crops grown were cabbage and potato. The farm operations were easy work for them that
they can easily manage. According to them, it was a traditional work for women and they
accepted and considered as their main responsibility especially during weeding operations
where all of the respondents mentioned that weeding is a generalize work for them.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 2. Farm operations performed by women
FARM OPERATIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Land preparation
Always
35
87.50
Sometimes
5
12.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Irrigation
Sometimes
12
30.00
Never
28
70.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Chemical spray
Always
25
62.50
Sometimes
10
25.00
Never
5
12.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Marketing
Always
35
87.50
Sometimes
5
12.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
During fertilizer application, women do the application of chicken dung to their
farms while their husbands were the one carrying the chicken dung from the road to their
farm. In harvesting, women do vegetable harvesting while men carry the vegetable crops
from the farm to the main road.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Most (87.5%) of the respondents claimed that they always perform land preparation
every cropping season. Since they do not use farm tractors to till their land, they hire
manpower. However, there are 12.5% of respondents claimed that they involved in land
preparation only when their husband cannot till or dig their farm alone specially if they
have wide farm area. Some mentioned that they only helped in land preparation if they
cannot afford to hire manpower to help them.
Seventy percent (70%) of the respondents mentioned that they never perform
irrigation since their farms are rain fed irrigated. Some respondents said that their husband
were the one doing the irrigation. On the other hand, 30% of the respondents claimed that
they help in irrigation of their crops. When their husbands are not available, women will
be the one to irrigate their crops. Almost all of the respondents used sprinkler irrigation to
irrigate their crops.
In spraying chemicals, 62.5% of the respondents were actively involved especially
to those who have wide farm area and their husbands cannot do the spraying alone.
However, there are 25% of the respondents claimed that they only spray if their husbands
are not available. While only 12.5% respondents mentioned that they do not involved in
spraying since they only had small farm area that their husband can do the spraying alone.
According to the respondents, they start to spray their vegetable crops 2 days after planting
if their crop is cabbage and at least not less than one month after planting if their crop is
potato.
Most (87.5%) of the women respondents claimed that they always involved in
marketing since they were the one marketing or selling their vegetable crops to the trading
post in La Trinidad, Benguet while 12.5% of the respondents mentioned that sometimes
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
they were the one marketing their crops. According to the respondents who do not involved
in marketing, their husbands were the one marketing and some mentioned that they have
their suppliers in the market who were the one marketing their vegetables. Most
respondents perform marketing operations assisted by their husbands.
Problems Encountered by Women
in Performing Farm Operations
Land preparation. Almost all of the respondents claimed that they experienced pain
of empty stomach and back pain (Table 3). Accordingly, the respondents claimed that they
were not eating or skip their meals before going to their farm; they just drink a cup of
coffee. Therefore, the respondents prioritized their farm activities rather than their health.
This habit of the respondents can caused sickness like ulcer without prior notice. Other
problems that were stated that 75% of them also mentioned that they experienced muscle
and back pain and 62.5% suffer from head ache.
Fertilizer application. The respondents mentioned that they experienced back pain
and hunger in performing fertilizer application. Seventy five (75%) of them had stomach
ache problems after applying fertilizers and pesticides in their farm because they handled
manuring. Therefore, it is recommended to use protective gadgets like gloves but
respondents do not use it. They prefer to do manuring with their bare hands. Aside from
this, 50% of the respondents also experienced head ache due to chemical exposure and not
using protective gadgets in working. Respondents are also at risk to exposure since
majority of their house are interspersed with in farming communities.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 3. Problems encountered by women
FARM OPERATIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Land preparation
Muscle pain
30
75.00
Back pain
40
100.00
Stomach ache
30
75.00
Head ache
25
62.50
Wounds
20
50.00
Hunger
40
100.00
Fertilizer application
Stomach ache
30
75.00
Head ache
20
50.00
Back pain
40
100.00
Hunger
40
100.00
Planting
Back pain
40
100.00
Head ache
20
50.00
Hunger
40
100.00
Chemical spray
Stomach ache
30
75
Head ache
25
62.5
Skin problem
35
87.5
Eye problem
25
62.5
Shoulder pain
40
100
*multiple response
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 3 continued. .
FARM OPERATIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Weeding
Back pain
40
100.00
Hunger
35
87.50
Wounds
40
100.00
Harvesting
Back pain
40
100.00
Muscle pain
40
100.00
Wounds
20
50.00
Marketing
Accidents
10
25.00
Bankrupt
20
50.00
Low vegetable price
35
87.50
*multiple response
Planting. Almost all of the respondents claimed that they experienced the feeling
of empty stomach and back pain and 50% experienced head ache due to extreme heat for
prolonged period during planting of vegetables.
Chemical spray. All respondents use knap sack sprayer with a capacity of 16 liters
in spraying their crops and all of them complained of shoulder pain. They also mentioned
that they experience pesticide spill on their back, shoulder and arms due to leaking
sprayers. Majority of the respondents’ complained of skin problem (87.5%) such as
itchiness and burning sensation on their bodies. On the other hand, 75% also claimed to
experienced stomach ache and 62.5% experienced head ache and eye irritation problems.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
This shows that women who are exposed to pesticide and chemical are vulnerable to health
hazards. Therefore, it is important for them to wear personal protective gadgets like gas
mask, boots, head covers and gloves in spraying chemicals. However, most respondents do
not use it. They merely use handkerchief wrapped around their face and clothes with long
sleeves as protection.
Weeding. Over work in the vegetable farms results to a lot of health problems
among women wherein all of the respondents mentioned that they experienced back pain
and open wounds due to not using protective gadgets such as gloves during weeding
operations. This indicates that even it is a light work, a particular problems can be found
in a particular type of farm work and the type of hazard exposure, in turn, affects the type
of health symptoms or illness that the respondents experience.
Harvesting. All of the respondents claimed that they had back pains and muscle
pains after work and 50% had wounds. This shows that farming is indeed a hard and
physically demanding work for women.
Marketing. Among those women who do marketing of their vegetable crops, 25%
of them claimed that they experienced road accidents along road and 50% experienced
bankruptcy due to low vegetable price in the market.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the socio-demographic profile of the
respondents in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet; the farm operations perform by women, and the
problems encountered in performing farm operations. Actual site visits and data gathering
were conducted in December 2011 to January 2012. Forty (40) women farmers were
randomly selected from the village as respondents of the study.
As to the profile, respondents have ages ranging from 26 to 60 years old. All of the
respondents were married. Most respondents have a large number of families ranging from
6- 10 family members. This shows that most of the household size of the community is big.
All of the respondents are full time vegetable farmers. Farm area of respondents
ranges from 2 to 5 hectares. As to the educational attainment respondents were able to step
elementary high school, college and some of them finished vocational course.
All of the respondents mentioned that their main source of income is farming so
most of the farm operations were performed by women like fertilizer application, planting,
weeding, hilling-up and harvesting every cropping season. According to them farm work
is just a normal farm activity for women. During harvesting, women were the one
harvesting vegetables while men carry the vegetables from the farm to the main road. Some
respondents claimed that irrigation is the responsibility of men. On the other hand, 30% of
the respondents claimed that they help in irrigation of their crops. Almost all of the
respondents use sprinkler irrigation to irrigate their crops.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
In spraying chemicals, 62.5% of the women respondents help in spraying if they
have wide farm area especially when their husband cannot do the spraying alone. 87.5% of
the respondents do the marketing operations.
The problems encountered by the respondents in land preparation were feeling of
empty stomach and back pain. Another problems encountered by women were muscle pain
and head ache. Likewise, almost all of the respondents mentioned that they experience
stomach ache while performing planting, fertilizer application and chemical exposure.
They feel these problems specially if they have their menstrual period. Fifty percent of the
respondents also experience head ache during the operations. Women farmers mentioned
that they experienced pesticide or chemical spill on their back and arms due to leaking
sprayers. All respondents use back pack sprayer and 100% of them claimed to experience
shoulder pain. 87.5% of the respondents also complained of skin problems such as itchiness
and burning sensation on their bodies. 75% claimed to experience stomach ache and 62.5%
mentioned that they experienced head ache and eye problems. This shows that women are
being exposed to chemical hazards. They also help in marketing of vegetables. This shows
that farming is a hard work for women.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions are made:
1. Large size of family members;
2. They perform most of the farm operations;
3. Hard working women farmers and they spend most of more time in farming
than household;
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
4. The respondents were exposed to chemicals and pesticides; and
5. The respondents give more importance to the health of their vegetable crops
than their health.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are made:
1. Promote family planning and importance of women health through
training and seminars;
2. The respondents should practice to use protective materials such as
goggles, gloves, mask, boots and hat to protect themselves from to pesticide
exposure, and accidents;
3. The respondents should balance their time on farm and to their house to
have time with their family and to guide and supervise their children on their
studies; and
4. The respondents should also think and be conscious of their health by
visiting the nearest hospital or clinic when they are not feeling well and they
should also practice personal hygiene such as taking a bath after farm works
to avoid exposure.
The respondents should not use leaking or damage sprayer to avoid skin problem and
exposure to chemicals.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
LITERATURE CITED
ARBUCKLE, B. 1998. Total Pesticide Exposure Calculations Among Vegetable
Farmers in Benguet, Philippines. Journal of Environment and Public
Health. Pp.102-104.
DIONISIO, A. 1993. Gender Analysis of Women in the Philippine Agriculture and
their Occupational Issues. Book of International Women Studies. Pp.16.
MCCOY. B. 2002. Gender Differentiation Among Farmers in the Agricultural
Sector in Benguet, Philippines. Journal of International Women Studies.
Pp. 176-179.
MEEKER. J. 2002. Health Hazards an Preventive Measures of Farm Women.
Emerging Issues. Pp. 307-314.
NJUKI, D. B. 2010. Women in Agriculture. Risks for Occupational with the
Context of Gender Role. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. Pp. 19.
PALMER, INGRID. 1977. Rural Women and the Basic Need Approach to
Development. International Labour Review. Pp.125-130.
RAO, J. S. 2007. Pesticide Exposure among Women in Agricultural Sector.
National Journal.Pp.3-5.
RIBASFITO, U. 2006. Gender Issues. Book of International Women’s Journal. Pp.
18.
TEODORO, L. V. 1996. Gender Issues. It’s Women’s Month But Still A Man’s
World. Clipping Volume. Pp.60.
TODARO, M. 2000. Feminization in Agriculture. Retrieved January 2, 2005 from
http://www.feminization.org/2000/agriculture-07101.
WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA, 1990. The Free World Book Encyclopedia.
Retrieved February 16, 2000 from http://enwikipedia.org/benguet%3.
ZAKARIA, A. E. 1998. Why Men and Women Think Differently? News Week 25
(13): 26-27.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012. Role of Women on Vegetable
Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet. Benguet State University La Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Jamesly T. Andres, MSc
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the socio-demographic profile of the
respondents in Dalipey; the farm operations performed by women; and the problems
encountered by women in performing farm operations. Forty (40) women farmers were
randomly selected from the village as respondents of the study.
Respondents had ages ranging from 26 to 60 years old. All the respondents were
married; had household size ranging from 6 to 10 family members. Most of the respondents
were full time vegetable farmers had main source of income which was farming.
Generally, most respondents engaged in both heavy and light farm activities. They
are actively involved in land preparation, fertilizer application, planting, weeding, hilling-
up and harvesting activities. They participate in all stages of farming. However, there are
some respondents who actively participate in spraying of chemicals, marketing and only
few were involved in irrigation since their farms are rain fed irrigated.
The problems encountered by women in performing farm operations were that had
felt of empty stomach, head ache, muscle pain, back pain, wounds and stomach ache. These
problems exist due to chemical exposure during spraying and fertilizer application. Farm
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
hazards of women farmers were the result of chemical spill on their back and arms due to
leaking sprayers that causes skin problem such as itchiness and burning sensation on their
bodies.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the profile of respondents as to age, civil status, number of
family members, number of children studying, number of years in farming, farming status,
farm area, educational attainment and economic activity. It also reflects the farm operations
performed by women and the problems they encountered in performing farm operations.
Profile of the Respondents
Age bracket. Table 1 shows that the respondents have ages ranging from 26 to 60
years old. The greatest number belonged to 41 to 45 years old (47.5%) followed by 56 to
60 years old (32.5%) and 36 to 40 years old (15%). The marital status showed that 100%
of the respondents were married. This implies that they worked together with their husband
in performing farm operations.
Number of family members. The greatest number of the respondents had 10 family
members (22.5%); 17.5% had 8; 15% had 9 and 7 family members where most of their
children helped in the farm during weekends and school vacations. This shows that the
household size of the community is big as to compare to the recommended household size
which is 5.
Number of years in farming. Result shows that 50% of the respondents claimed that
they had seven years of farming experience; 22.5% respondents had 5 years and 15%
respondents had 6 years farming experience. All of the respondents claimed to have full
time in vegetable farming especially during peak season.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 1. Profile of respondents
PROFILE
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age bracket
26-30
1
2.50
31-35
1
2.50
36-40
6
15.00
41-45
19
47.50
46-60
13
32.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Number of family members
5
3
7.50
6
5
12.50
7
6
15.00
8
7
17.50
9
6
15.00
10
9
22.50
11
2
5.00
12
2
5.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Number of years in farming
4
4
10.00
5
9
22.50
6
6
15.00
7 and above
20
50.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 1 continued…
PROFILE
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Farm area
Less than 1 ha
15
37.50
2-3 ha.
13
32.50
3-5 ha.
9
22.50
5 ha and above
3
7.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Educational attainment
Elementary
10
25.00
High School
14
35.00
College
8
20.00
Vocational
8
20.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Economic activity
Farming
40
100.00
Store keeper
6
15.00
Gold panning
5
12.50
*multiple response
Farm area. The greatest number of the respondents were operating less than 1
hectare (37.5%) followed by 32.5% operating 2 to 3 hectares and 22.5% of respondents
operating 3 to 5 hectares. Farmers who are operating less than one hectare considered that
the farm area is not enough so they go to the extent of renting other farms outside the
village. This indicates that most respondents produce on a small scale basis of farm and
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
most of their farms are valued possession of families that are passed on from one generation
to the next.
Educational attainment. All respondents had gone to school. 35% of them were able
to step high school followed by 25% respondents who step elementary and 20% of were
able to step college and finished vocational courses. According to the respondents who did
not finish their studies, they eventually lost interest to go to school because of financial
problems and got married early. Some were lazy because of far distance of the school and
prefer to work on the farm.
Economic activity. The table shows that 100% of the respondents mentioned that
the main source of their income is farming. They consider farming as an adequate source
of income and subsistence. The other sources mentioned were store keeping and gold
panning activities.
Farm Operations Performed by
Women in Dalipey
The farm operations performed by women in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet is shown in
Table 2. All of the respondents mentioned that they performed fertilizer application,
planting, weeding, hilling-up and harvesting during cropping season where in most of the
crops grown were cabbage and potato. The farm operations were easy work for them that
they can easily manage. According to them, it was a traditional work for women and they
accepted and considered as their main responsibility especially during weeding operations
where all of the respondents mentioned that weeding is a generalize work for them.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 2. Farm operations performed by women
FARM OPERATIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Land preparation
Always
35
87.50
Sometimes
5
12.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Irrigation
Sometimes
12
30.00
Never
28
70.00
TOTAL
40
100.00
Chemical spray
Always
25
62.50
Sometimes
10
25.00
Never
5
12.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
Marketing
Always
35
87.50
Sometimes
5
12.50
TOTAL
40
100.00
During fertilizer application, women do the application of chicken dung to their
farms while their husbands were the one carrying the chicken dung from the road to their
farm. In harvesting, women do vegetable harvesting while men carry the vegetable crops
from the farm to the main road.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Most (87.5%) of the respondents claimed that they always perform land preparation
every cropping season. Since they do not use farm tractors to till their land, they hire
manpower. However, there are 12.5% of respondents claimed that they involved in land
preparation only when their husband cannot till or dig their farm alone specially if they
have wide farm area. Some mentioned that they only helped in land preparation if they
cannot afford to hire manpower to help them.
Seventy percent (70%) of the respondents mentioned that they never perform
irrigation since their farms are rain fed irrigated. Some respondents said that their husband
were the one doing the irrigation. On the other hand, 30% of the respondents claimed that
they help in irrigation of their crops. When their husbands are not available, women will
be the one to irrigate their crops. Almost all of the respondents used sprinkler irrigation to
irrigate their crops.
In spraying chemicals, 62.5% of the respondents were actively involved especially
to those who have wide farm area and their husbands cannot do the spraying alone.
However, there are 25% of the respondents claimed that they only spray if their husbands
are not available. While only 12.5% respondents mentioned that they do not involved in
spraying since they only had small farm area that their husband can do the spraying alone.
According to the respondents, they start to spray their vegetable crops 2 days after planting
if their crop is cabbage and at least not less than one month after planting if their crop is
potato.
Most (87.5%) of the women respondents claimed that they always involved in
marketing since they were the one marketing or selling their vegetable crops to the trading
post in La Trinidad, Benguet while 12.5% of the respondents mentioned that sometimes
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
they were the one marketing their crops. According to the respondents who do not involved
in marketing, their husbands were the one marketing and some mentioned that they have
their suppliers in the market who were the one marketing their vegetables. Most
respondents perform marketing operations assisted by their husbands.
Problems Encountered by Women
in Performing Farm Operations
Land preparation. Almost all of the respondents claimed that they experienced pain
of empty stomach and back pain (Table 3). Accordingly, the respondents claimed that they
were not eating or skip their meals before going to their farm; they just drink a cup of
coffee. Therefore, the respondents prioritized their farm activities rather than their health.
This habit of the respondents can caused sickness like ulcer without prior notice. Other
problems that were stated that 75% of them also mentioned that they experienced muscle
and back pain and 62.5% suffer from head ache.
Fertilizer application. The respondents mentioned that they experienced back pain
and hunger in performing fertilizer application. Seventy five (75%) of them had stomach
ache problems after applying fertilizers and pesticides in their farm because they handled
manuring. Therefore, it is recommended to use protective gadgets like gloves but
respondents do not use it. They prefer to do manuring with their bare hands. Aside from
this, 50% of the respondents also experienced head ache due to chemical exposure and not
using protective gadgets in working. Respondents are also at risk to exposure since
majority of their house are interspersed with in farming communities.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 3. Problems encountered by women
FARM OPERATIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Land preparation
Muscle pain
30
75.00
Back pain
40
100.00
Stomach ache
30
75.00
Head ache
25
62.50
Wounds
20
50.00
Hunger
40
100.00
Fertilizer application
Stomach ache
30
75.00
Head ache
20
50.00
Back pain
40
100.00
Hunger
40
100.00
Planting
Back pain
40
100.00
Head ache
20
50.00
Hunger
40
100.00
Chemical spray
Stomach ache
30
75
Head ache
25
62.5
Skin problem
35
87.5
Eye problem
25
62.5
Shoulder pain
40
100
*multiple response
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
Table 3 continued. .
FARM OPERATIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Weeding
Back pain
40
100.00
Hunger
35
87.50
Wounds
40
100.00
Harvesting
Back pain
40
100.00
Muscle pain
40
100.00
Wounds
20
50.00
Marketing
Accidents
10
25.00
Bankrupt
20
50.00
Low vegetable price
35
87.50
*multiple response
Planting. Almost all of the respondents claimed that they experienced the feeling
of empty stomach and back pain and 50% experienced head ache due to extreme heat for
prolonged period during planting of vegetables.
Chemical spray. All respondents use knap sack sprayer with a capacity of 16 liters
in spraying their crops and all of them complained of shoulder pain. They also mentioned
that they experience pesticide spill on their back, shoulder and arms due to leaking
sprayers. Majority of the respondents’ complained of skin problem (87.5%) such as
itchiness and burning sensation on their bodies. On the other hand, 75% also claimed to
experienced stomach ache and 62.5% experienced head ache and eye irritation problems.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
This shows that women who are exposed to pesticide and chemical are vulnerable to health
hazards. Therefore, it is important for them to wear personal protective gadgets like gas
mask, boots, head covers and gloves in spraying chemicals. However, most respondents do
not use it. They merely use handkerchief wrapped around their face and clothes with long
sleeves as protection.
Weeding. Over work in the vegetable farms results to a lot of health problems
among women wherein all of the respondents mentioned that they experienced back pain
and open wounds due to not using protective gadgets such as gloves during weeding
operations. This indicates that even it is a light work, a particular problems can be found
in a particular type of farm work and the type of hazard exposure, in turn, affects the type
of health symptoms or illness that the respondents experience.
Harvesting. All of the respondents claimed that they had back pains and muscle
pains after work and 50% had wounds. This shows that farming is indeed a hard and
physically demanding work for women.
Marketing. Among those women who do marketing of their vegetable crops, 25%
of them claimed that they experienced road accidents along road and 50% experienced
bankruptcy due to low vegetable price in the market.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the socio-demographic profile of the
respondents in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet; the farm operations perform by women, and the
problems encountered in performing farm operations. Actual site visits and data gathering
were conducted in December 2011 to January 2012. Forty (40) women farmers were
randomly selected from the village as respondents of the study.
As to the profile, respondents have ages ranging from 26 to 60 years old. All of the
respondents were married. Most respondents have a large number of families ranging from
6- 10 family members. This shows that most of the household size of the community is big.
All of the respondents are full time vegetable farmers. Farm area of respondents
ranges from 2 to 5 hectares. As to the educational attainment respondents were able to step
elementary high school, college and some of them finished vocational course.
All of the respondents mentioned that their main source of income is farming so
most of the farm operations were performed by women like fertilizer application, planting,
weeding, hilling-up and harvesting every cropping season. According to them farm work
is just a normal farm activity for women. During harvesting, women were the one
harvesting vegetables while men carry the vegetables from the farm to the main road. Some
respondents claimed that irrigation is the responsibility of men. On the other hand, 30% of
the respondents claimed that they help in irrigation of their crops. Almost all of the
respondents use sprinkler irrigation to irrigate their crops.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
In spraying chemicals, 62.5% of the women respondents help in spraying if they
have wide farm area especially when their husband cannot do the spraying alone. 87.5% of
the respondents do the marketing operations.
The problems encountered by the respondents in land preparation were feeling of
empty stomach and back pain. Another problems encountered by women were muscle pain
and head ache. Likewise, almost all of the respondents mentioned that they experience
stomach ache while performing planting, fertilizer application and chemical exposure.
They feel these problems specially if they have their menstrual period. Fifty percent of the
respondents also experience head ache during the operations. Women farmers mentioned
that they experienced pesticide or chemical spill on their back and arms due to leaking
sprayers. All respondents use back pack sprayer and 100% of them claimed to experience
shoulder pain. 87.5% of the respondents also complained of skin problems such as itchiness
and burning sensation on their bodies. 75% claimed to experience stomach ache and 62.5%
mentioned that they experienced head ache and eye problems. This shows that women are
being exposed to chemical hazards. They also help in marketing of vegetables. This shows
that farming is a hard work for women.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions are made:
1. Large size of family members;
2. They perform most of the farm operations;
3. Hard working women farmers and they spend most of more time in farming
than household;
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
4. The respondents were exposed to chemicals and pesticides; and
5. The respondents give more importance to the health of their vegetable crops
than their health.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are made:
1. Promote family planning and importance of women health through
training and seminars;
2. The respondents should practice to use protective materials such as
goggles, gloves, mask, boots and hat to protect themselves from to pesticide
exposure, and accidents;
3. The respondents should balance their time on farm and to their house to
have time with their family and to guide and supervise their children on their
studies; and
4. The respondents should also think and be conscious of their health by
visiting the nearest hospital or clinic when they are not feeling well and they
should also practice personal hygiene such as taking a bath after farm works
to avoid exposure.
The respondents should not use leaking or damage sprayer to avoid skin problem and
exposure to chemicals.
Role of Women on Vegetable Farming in Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet |
BUSIL-AC, BERNADETTE S. OCTOBER. 2012
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