Yalew Teshome
In this chapter a variety of methods were used to collect data to study smallholders in Ethiopian The surveys were complemented by a set of qualitative interviews to establish gender dynamics in agriculture and for livelihoods. Key informant interviews were conducted with agricultural personnel in the sampled districts and focus group discussions were held with some farmers. For a bigger picture of the agricultural policies and practices, the study relied on a review of key documents and publications by government and other agencies implementing agricultural programmes in the country. Descriptive statistics demonstrate that a shift from maize and tobacco to Irish potatoes, groundnuts, and soya beans in the areas under study has provided an opportunity for smallholder farmers to diversify and increase production and thus improve their livelihoods. Another noticeable change has been the increased participation of women in the production and marketing of crops.
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