Addressing the Gender Gap in Agriculture: An Analysis of the Impact of Agricultural Technology on Gender Inequality in Developing Economies

Authors

Mitik Zegeye, The College of WoosterFollow

Abstract

Although women in developing countries play a significant role in the agricultural sector, they are faced with economic, social, and cultural constraints that limit their access to agricultural productive resources. This study examines the impact of agricultural technology and human capital on gender inequality. The theory used in this paper is the human capital augmented Solow model, which is a modification of the standard Solow growth model. The model predicts that, due to the gender bias against women, agricultural technology and human capital will not reduce gender inequality in developing economies. The empirical results are mixed but suggest that agricultural technology has no impact on gender inequality, while female education, a measure of human capital, has no impact or negatively impacts gender inequality.

Advisor

Burnell, Barbara

Department

Economics; International Relations

Recommended Citation

Zegeye, Mitik, "Addressing the Gender Gap in Agriculture: An Analysis of the Impact of Agricultural Technology on Gender Inequality in Developing Economies" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6128.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6128

Disciplines

Growth and Development | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

gender inequality, agricultural technology, development, economic growth

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis