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Abstract
The study has analysed the existing livelihood systems and has identified the problems being faced by
the women at work in the Dharwad district of Karnataka state. The multistage random sampling technique
has been used to select 120 respondents comprising equal number of landless, marginal, small, medium
and large farmers and primary data were collected through personal interview method. The techniques of
descriptive analysis, multiple regression analysis and Garrett ranking test have been employed. The study
has revealed that crop production is the main source of livelihood. The employment in terms of number
of humandays per household has been found the highest in the case of non-farm wage employment
compared to crop production. The income has been observed to be higher under crop production than
from non-farm activities. In all the major livelihood options, the participation of males was the highest in
terms of absolute number of household members, followed by females and children. Apart from crop
production, female participation has been found high in dairying and farm wage employment activities.
The women face numerous employment-related problems, the major being back pain due to continuous
working, long working hours and harsh climatic conditions at work. Considering the crucial role and
importance of female labour in agricultural operations, suitable implements/ technologies/practices need
to be designed and introduced which reduce their drudgery and health hazards in agriculture.