Virginia Tech
Gender and Pest Management in Ghana: Implications for the Introduction of an IPM Program for Tomato
Abstract
dc:description.abstractThe purpose of this research is to identify gender-based constraints and opportunities to the introduction of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for tomato crops based on a case study of tomato farmers in the town of Tuobodom in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The study seeks to identify the knowledge, practices, perceptions, and access to resources of men and women tomato farmers in Tuobodom, specifically with respect to pesticides and pest management. A mixed methods approach combined quantitative and qualitative methodologies including focus group discussions, household interviews, participatory mapping, field visits, key informant interviews, participant observation, and a survey. Key findings in the areas of health and safety, markets and the tomato value chain, and information and training reveal general and gender-specific issues that an IPM program should address when working with farmers to develop an effective and sustainable IPM package for tomato in this area. The results of this study also demonstrate the importance of gender analysis in identifying context-specific gender issues. For example, while this study confirmed that men's roles in tomato production place them at higher risk of exposure to pesticides, results challenge the assumption that women's reproductive roles (e.g., food preparation, caring for the sick, and washing clothes) make them more aware of the risks of pesticides.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Public and International Affairs
- Level thesis:degree_level
- masters
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Public and International Affairs
- Department dc:contributor.department
- Public and International Affairs
- Grantor dc:publisher
- Virginia Tech
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2012
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Zseleczky, Laura
- Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair
-
- Christie, Maria Elisa
- Luke, Timothy W.
- Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember
-
- Hall, Ralph P.
Subjects
dc:subject × 5Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- In Copyright
- Licence dc:rights.uri
- Language dc:language.iso
- en_US
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Dc Identifier Other
- etd-05042012-152812
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/72987