Gender Analysis of Medicinal Plant Cultivation from the Aspect of the Security of Livelihood Capitals

Subject Areas : Environmental policy and management

Shahla Choobchian ¹ , Enayat Abbasi ² , Mahboobeh Dalir ³ , Yadgar Momenpour ⁴

1 - Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
2 - Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
3 - Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
4 - Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Received: 2024-06-29 Accepted : 2024-06-29 Published : 2024-06-29

Keywords: climate change, resilience, vulnerability, villagers, livelihood,

Abstract :

Since climate change has negative consequences for agricultural production and people's livelihoods, there is an increased need for flexibility in agricultural systems. The cultivation of medicinal plants is crucial for livelihoods and water resource conservation, making it an effective strategy to achieve resilience in agricultural systems and reduce vulnerability. This study explores the effect of cultivating medicinal plants on the livelihood capitals of women and men farmers in eastern Iran. The statistical population included 7,172 farmers, with 368 selected as a sample using the Krejcie and Morgan table through stratified random sampling. The study instrument's validity was confirmed by subject matter experts, and its reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed with SPSS software. Comparing the livelihood capital of women and men resulting from the cultivation of medicinal plants showed that men had higher social, human, and economic capital than women. The study's results assist policymakers and executive managers in developing effective livelihood capitals and guide farmers in choosing activities that maximize livelihood capital and performance. Finally, suggestions are made for farmers in developing countries and those affected by climate change.