Gender differences in access to extension services and major farm inputs among paddy seed growers in Rautahat district of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Extension services for paddy seed farmers are essential for boosting agricultural productivity; however, significant gender gaps in access to these services exist in Nepal. This study, carried out in 2024 in Rautahat district, explored the role of gender and socio-economic characteristics in determining access to paddy seed extension services and major agricultural inputs. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was used. 265 farmers were surveyed with a structured questionnaire using a multistage sampling method. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results: The results showed that gender, income, age, ethnicity, and farm type influenced access to extension services, with the logistic model explaining 41.6% of the variation. Although men had higher access to these services, women were more likely to utilize them once accessed. Education, farm size, and off-farm employment had limited influence on perceived access. The farm inputs access model accounted for 42.0% of the variation, with participation level, farm type, and ethnicity being the strongest predictors. Discussion: Perception analysis revealed that women held more positive attitudes toward extension services but faced structural and social barriers, such as fewer female extension agents, financial constraints, and limited decision-making power, which hindered their ability to make data-driven decisions. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive and appropriate extension strategies to ensure equitable access for all farmers, ultimately improving access and productivity, especially for women and marginalized groups.