Women play essential roles in agriculture; providing inputs, working in the farm, generating off-farm income and doing the unpaid house chores, but often the gains go to the husband and children. Ethiopia is representative of countries where village poultry plays a dominant role in total poultry production. women generally contribute more labor inputs in areas of feeding and grazing of cows, watering, manage vulnerable animals (calves, small ruminants, and sick, injured and pregnant animals), cleaning of barns, dairy-related activities (milking, butter and cheese making), gathering and making dung cakes, transporting farm manure, egg collection, and sale of egg/poultry, than men and children. However, few recognitions have been given to women’s contribution to agricultural production. The study was aimed to assess the level of women participation in poultry production. The study went further to identify access and benefit of women from poultry products. Data was collected using semi- structured interview and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The study found that house construction was the only activity in which women participation is less than their men counter parts. Women take part in all activities concerning poultry production. Majority of the respondents 86.7% carried out watering poultry and collecting eggs followed by house cleaning 80% and recording events 80%. Taking products to market, selling products and holding money from poultry product sale are the major activities done by women by 73.3%. Based on results further researches need to be done in order to magnify the contribution of women in agricultural production.
Keywords: East Shewa, Ethiopia, Participation, Poultry, Women
