To fill the gaps between government s limited supply and their multiple needs, female farmers have tried to select and maintain varieties with different characteristics adapted to their complex farming systems and livelihood. Female farmers have a significant role in household food security . The case studies strongly suggest that male migration has led to substantial changes in farming structure and gender division of labour. Women, who were usually household managers, have now also become farm managers and the major cultivators as well. While men contribute their monetary income to the household, women are playing a crucial role in subsistence agriculture to ensure household food security and family welfare.
Female farmers face several constraints in production .
Firstly , a major production constraint observed during the case studies was a shortage of labour and time. Women are overburdened by multiple roles of production and reproduction, whereby they have the responsibility of running both their farm and household. Secondly , the women lack appropriate science-based technology and information. Women deal with these problems by relying on their indigenous knowledge, which is gained and passed on while working together with other women or visiting relatives in other villages. However, while women in Zhichen and Wenteng have their own expertise, this could be further enhanced by formal institutional support.