Abstract

This study aimed to identify the existing gender division of labor, rural women’s control over productive resources and its effect on the stated poverty reduction strategy. Group discussion with key informants, field observation and interview with rural women was done to obtain primary data. The analysis was done by using SPSS software. Man biased division of labor, particularly on productive activities and limited control over, of rural women on productive resources are identified in the study area. This was the main challenge they face in the society. These make their contribution to development and poverty reduction very minimal. 

Key words: Rural women, productive activities, control over, division of labor, poverty reduction.