Role of Hilltribe Women in Coffee Cultivation and Extension Programme.

Abstract

The study aims to describe the role of hilltribe women in coffee cultivation, management activities and also decision making. The study was conducted in 1990 by selecting six hilltribe coffee growers in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Lanpang provinces. They were Akha, Meo, Lisu, Yao, Lahu and Karen. Tribes Questionnaire survey was designed to collect the data from 117 respondents. It was found that women were mostly participated in weeding. Other minor activities were seedling cultivation, land preparation, fertilizer application, seed sowing, seedling transplanting, harvesting, processing, watering and pruning respectively. Chemical control was the least activity which they participated. Hilltribe women tend to have more chance in education and communication. Most of the women wished to attend the training course so the extension programme should be emphasized on the practical session and other techniques to be guideline for the women to work properly on their farms.