Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

GENDER ISSUES REGARDING OWNERSHIP OF LAND

• Insecurity of women's land tenure is one of the most serious obstacles to increase productivity of agriculture and livestock and the income of rural women. Land tenure refers to a set of rights which a person or organisation holds in order to own, have access to or use land. Tenure enables the holder to make management decisions on how land-based resources will be used for immediate needs and long-term sustainable investment (FAO, 1998).
• Historically, in most cultures, women's access to land involved right of use, but not ownership. Men due to their status within the family, in most societies they are the main owners of land.
• Private land is mainly transmitted from the father to the sons, and often daughters are only taken into consideration if no male successor is available. Security of land tenure is the key to having control over major decisions in agriculture and livestock production: what techniques to use, which products to sell and which to consume are examples thereof.