GENDER ISSUES IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION (A Case Study of Wool in Baluchistan)

Abstract

Women have always played a vital role in the Balochistan wool industry mainly through caring for the animals.  Due to the conservative nature of much of Balochistan society, it has been difficult to service the women from a male dominated extension service.  The Balochistan Agricultural Project (BAP) took a different perspective.  First, it set out to improve the value of wool.  This it did through a series of steps such as cleaning and washing the animals, elementary grading, shearing techniques, and baling.  As the value of the wool rose, so too did the value of the services the women provided.  BAP set out to increase the role of women in the wool value chain.  It facilitated the formation of Female Wool Farmer Marketing Collectives. Extension activities included focusing on organising the marketing, pricing, and negotiating skills.  BAP also facilitated value adding activities, such as spinning, dyeing, and carpet weaving, that the women could do to the wool.  The result has been the cementing of the role of women in the wool value chain as well as a marked improvement in the status of women.  Present manuscript described these extension activities.