The situation of women farmers in Terekeka (Southern Sudan).
Abdel-Magied, Ahmed
The situation of women farmers in Terekeka (Southern Sudan). Makki,
El Samawal; Pitia, Betty: Luwala, Mary (School of REED, Ahfad University
for Women).
This exploratory study was conducted during May to June 2005 in
Terekeka, Southern Sudan, to explore the different aspects of women
involvement in urban and periurban agriculture in the area. Primary data
was collected through structured interview (questionnaires) at the
household and commercial level of farming. Secondary data was obtained
from previous studies, internet, articles, and magazines and field
observations. The primary data was analyzed descriptively using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
The findings revealed that women farmers in Terekeka play a crucial
role in household and commercial farming. Urban and periurban
agricultural production patterns in Terekeka have the following
features: seasonal shifting cultivation, use of hand tools and
availability of local market. It is also characterized by low level of
inputs and absence of extension and agricultural services.
Despite the potential contribution of commercial urban and
periurban agriculture to both economic diversification and food
security, women farmers in Terekeka rely on indigenous knowledge about
agricultural practices. They are constrained by several factors, such as
agricultural inputs, extension services and access to education. The low
access to services is not, in most cases, based on gender differences.
It is rather a consequence of the general condition of Southern Sudan.
Use and controlled rights of land are maintained for Terekeka women
framers, which constitutes a unique example, unlike other African women.
