Gender relations and delivery of extension services: A case of extension workers at Dowa District Malawi

Masters Dissertation

The delivery of agriculture extension has not been achieved because agriculture extension strategies have failed to address gender related issues among extension workers in extension delivery. The study aimed at assessing gender relations among extension workers on delivery of extension services. The study adopted a cross-section design and was conducted in Dowa District Malawi. The overall objective of the study was to explore the role of gender relations in the delivery of extension services. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the access of resources, determine factors that shape gender relations among extension workers and identify challenges emanating from gender relations among extension workers in the delivery of agricultural extension service. The study area was selected based on the ecological characteristic including its potential for agricultural production. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire from 60 extension workers. The respondents were purposively selected from a pool of 74 extension workers working in the area. The data collection tools were Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews, and questionnaires for data collection. The study findings were analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. The research established that extension workers have knowledge of gender issues and mainstreaming because most of them have been trained on gender issues. It has also be noted that proper structures and policies promoting gender when delivering extension services exist. However, lack of resources, poor working conditions, and culture paralyze government efforts in addressing troubled gender relations at the area.