Factors Influencing Rural Women’s Participation in Post- Harvest Activities: A Case Study (Asara, Karaj)

The main purpose followed in this study was to analyze the factors influencing on rural women’s participation in post harvest activities in Asara, Karaj. The statistical population included all the rural women who inhabit Asara and are over 15 years of age (N= 2810). A sample of 110 rural women was selected through stratified random sampling method. A questionnaire was designed to collect data. Content validity of the questionnaire was achieved through a panel of experts. Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to assess the reliability of the level of participation of women in post harvest activities the figure for which was obtained as 0.94, indicating the mentioned variable benefits from high reliability. The findings revealed that, household size, income, membership in cooperatives and organizations as well as the frequency of participation in cooperatives and organizations, gatherings were in positive significant (p<0.05) correlation with the level of rural women’s participation in post harvest activities. In addition, the level of one’s internal motivation, use of communication channels as well as taking part in extension and education courses have been positively and significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the level of rural women’s participation in post harvest activities. The results of multiple regression revealed that, variables of: participation extension and education courses, as well as one’s frequency of use of communication channels could explain 66.5% of the variation in the extent of rural women’s participation in post harvest activities.