Exploring the roles and determinants of women extension workers’ participation in agricultural technology dissemination: a case study of Hintalo-Wajerat district, Tigray region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Women extension workers (WEWs) play a critical role in disseminating agricultural technologies. However, they face considerable barriers in effectively disseminating these technologies. This study investigates the determinants, challenges, and opportunities encountered by WEWs in Hintalo-Wajerat District, Tigray. A total of 54 WEWs and 50 sampled farmers were selected using census and random sampling methods, respectively. Data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Results indicate that about 98% of respondents reported actively engaging in technology transfer activities, contributing to improved agricultural outcomes and narrowing the gender gap in resource access. Additionally, 90.7% of respondents acknowledged their effectiveness. More notably, WEWs are found to be more effective than their male counterparts in engaging with female farmers; they excel in using participatory techniques and have a greater likelihood of facilitating the diffusion of agricultural technologies. Nevertheless, 98% of these workers reported facing significant barriers, including insufficient resources such as transportation, low salaries, inadequate training, heavy workloads, lack of incentives, and prevailing gender stereotypes. The multilinear regression analysis revealed that education, compensation, and salary positively influenced performance, while marital status and limited transportation access had negative effects. WEWs are essential for agricultural progress. This research recommends increased transport support, fair compensation, and capacity-building programs to enhance their effectiveness and improve regional food security, while suggesting further exploration of their contributions to gender equality in agricultural technology dissemination. Further research is recommended to deepen the understanding of their role in promoting gender equity and sustainable agricultural development.