Abstract

Though dairy is a common farming enterprise and income-generating activity in Ambo town, no systematic study has been undertaken to identify the gender role in dairy production. The objectives of the study were to identify gender role in dairy activities; and to analysis gender participation in production and marketing of dairy products. It was found that women are mainly responsible for barn cleaning, milk selling, processing and feeding, where as male undertakes shed construction, feed storing and animal health treatments. In addition access and control for income of live animal sale is mainly to male. Dairy production is indispensable sector to fulfill the need of every growing human population. Hence, combined effort of gender is very important for the sector to be more profitable enterprise.

Key words: Dairy production, gender role, peri urban.