Contribution of women to rural household income : case study of the Sosa transmigration unit in North Sumatra[, Indonesia]

The research survey included a sample of 40 household wives from transmigration families, of which 30 were participants in a sheep credit project aimed at increasing sheep production among transmigrants. Women in this study, who averaged 30 years of age, spend a daily average of 4 hours for agricultural production, 3 hours at the plantation for wages, and 5 hours on household chores and social activities. Their contribution to household income is approximately 30% per month. Women from the sheep credit project are devoting more hours per year to sheep production activities compared with the rest of the family members. In addition, the majority of the women in the study report that they are key decisionmakers in livestock production and marketing. This research also shows that integrating sheep production in the plantation family farm has high potential of earning extra income. The paper recommends intensive extension services for sheep management and the inclusion of women farmers in projects through the delivery of sheep to farm wives. (Author abstract, modified)