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The feminization of agriculture in post-Soviet Tajikistan

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  • Mukhamedova, Nozilakhon
  • Wegerich, Kai

Abstract

In this paper we aim to analyse economic and social transition factors affecting the agricultural labor force and to understand the feminization phenomenon in rural Tajikistan. Agrarian reforms, seasonal male labor outmigration, and the subsequent increase in women's labor participation have facilitated changes in gender occupational segregation. We assume that in post-Soviet transition countries such as Tajikistan, the process of feminization grew from the need to take on jobs and to to slip in the role of the breadwinner due to the absence of men. The process enabled women to gain knowledge and experience in new employment positions. We contribute to the knowledge on feminization by conducting qualitative, case based analysis through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and present unique data on previously unobserved employment categories and their characteristics from the Sughd province of Tajikistan. Results suggest that existing local systems of power and male-dominated relationships are being challenged due to male labor force outmigration, leading to a feminization of the remaining labor force and recipient clients. The jobs women perform remain subject to low protection, security, and earnings. However, increased participation in the labor force provides a gateway to a wider spectrum of labor opportunities and advances women's roles in primary agricultural production as well as in the service supply sector, and provides them a certain amount of control over their own lives.

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  • Mukhamedova, Nozilakhon & Wegerich, Kai, 2018. "The feminization of agriculture in post-Soviet Tajikistan," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 57, pages 128-139.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:175749
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2017.12.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mukhamedova, Nozilakhon & Wegerich, Kai, 2014. "Land reforms and feminization of agricultural labor in Sughd province, Tajikistan," IWMI Reports 201007, International Water Management Institute.
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    3. Balezentis, Tomas & Morkunas, Mangirdas & Volkov, Artiom & Ribasauskiene, Erika & Streimikiene, Dalia, 2021. "Are women neglected in the EU agriculture? Evidence from Lithuanian young farmers," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
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    5. Yi Du & Xiaoyan Wang & Daniele Brombal & Angela Moriggi & Andrew Sharpley & Shujiang Pang, 2018. "Changes in Environmental Awareness and Its Connection to Local Environmental Management in Water Conservation Zones: The Case of Beijing, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-24, June.
    6. Sheridan, Alison & Newsome, Lucie & Howard, Tanya & Lawson, Andrew & Saunders, Skye, 2021. "Intergenerational farm succession: How does gender fit?," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    7. Kawabata, Mariko & Berardo, Andrea & Mattei, Paolo & de Pee, Saskia, 2020. "Food security and nutrition challenges in Tajikistan: Opportunities for a systems approach," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    8. Zhou, Xiaoshi & Ma, Wanglin, 2021. "Effects of Agricultural Mechanization on Land Productivity: Evidence from China," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315143, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    9. Ma, Wanglin, 2020. "Heterogeneous effects of Internet use and adoption of sustainable production practices on rural incomes: Evidence from China," 2020 Conference (64th), February 12-14, 2020, Perth, Western Australia 305240, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    10. Balasubramanya, Soumya, 2019. "Effects of training duration and the role of gender on farm participation in water user associations in Southern Tajikistan: Implications for irrigation management," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 1-11.
    11. Ghimire, Tinusha & Harou, Aurélie P. & Balasubramanya, Soumya, 2023. "Migration, gender labor division and food insecurity in Tajikistan," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).

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