Understanding the Impediments Faced by Farm Women While Participating in Off-farm Activities in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Women contribute immensely to both farm and non-farm activities, taking active roles in crop production, livestock management, ensuring household food security, and supporting overall family well-being. Yet, despite their vital involvement, they continue to face several barriers that limit their efficiency and keep their efforts underappreciated. This research was carried out across four villages in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, where 120 farm women were randomly selected as participants. The study aimed to identify and assess the various constraints these women face while engaging in off-farm activities. The study assessed four main types of constraints—external, socio-psychological, domestic, and personal—through sixteen indicators measured on a three-point severity scale. To analyse the data, the Friedman two-way ANOVA by ranks was applied, and the findings were further confirmed using both asymptotic and Monte Carlo significance testing at a 99% confidence level. The findings revealed that external constraints had the highest mean rank (3.16), followed by socio-psychological (2.46), domestic (2.44), and personal constraints (1.94). Key issues included working under unfavourable conditions, secondary status in decision-making, unavoidable social barriers to accessing extension services, poor economic conditions, lack of technical knowledge, and limited access to credit. The findings highlight the importance of focused interventions, including skill development initiatives, better rural infrastructure, gender-responsive extension services, the creation of women’s farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and supportive policies to boost women’s involvement in off-farm activities. Strengthening these areas can promote economic empowerment of farm women and contribute to sustainable rural development.