The changing role of women in agriculture : a case study of Kalabo district, 1906-1986

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Date
2012-11-28
Authors
Mboma, Kafuba
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Abstract
This is a study of the changing role of women in agriculture, taking a case study of Kalabo district in the period 1906 to 1986. It examines the changing role of women In agriculture in the context of the impact of colonialism and penetration of capitalism The study which takes a chronological approach, exaaines issues such as the impact of cattle trade, labour migration and changing technology on the role of women in agriculture in Kalabo district. The study consists of four chapters. Chapter one of this study covers the geographical background of Kalabo district as well as the historical background to I906. Under the historical background the study looks at the entrenchment of colonialism and the agricultural system practiced in Kalabo before 19O6. The thesis also examines the role and position women in the pre-colonial setting of Kalabo. In this chapter the study argues that the pre 1906 labour relations In Kalabo were such that women played a crucial role in production. Chapter two sheds light on the colonial impact on woman’s role in agriculture in the period 1906 to 1939. Examining issues such as the control of, women, cattle trade, the 'seasonality' aspect of labour migration, the impact of long term labour migration, and Indeed, changing agricultural technology, the chapter underscores the argument that women's role in agriculture was affected. Yet the impact on women's role in agriculture during this period did not relieve women from shouldering the brunt of agricultural production. Under chapter three the thesis focuses on the agricultural change experienced by Kalabo in the period 1940 to 1964. The agricultural change was experienced in terms of production levels sometimes leading to food shortages, food marketing and the involvement of the colonial government in endeavouring to promote African agriculture. In the final analysis the role of women in agriculture was affected to the extent that some female producers experienced favourable material conditions as a result of their ability to hire labour and organise lubile. But some women such as Bo Namukuka experienced hardships of village agricultural production. As for chapter four covering the period 1964 to 1986 it embraces issues such as the closure of Wenela, government agricultural policies reflected in village courses, extensions services and indeed agricultural projects such as the Peoples Participation Project. The underlying argument of the chapter is that such efforts indicate the crucial role of female labour in agricultural production.In a nutshell, the study is an attempt to elucidate the conditions of female procedures in Kalabo District from a historical perspective.
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Women in Agriculture---Kalabo,Zambia
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