Exploring the Socio-Economic Profile of Women in Farm-Based Dairy Activities: A Case Study in District Okara

Abstract

Pakistan, being an agrarian economy, derives nearly 24% of its GDP from agriculture, with livestock contributing around 16% to this share. Among the 8 million rural households engaged in livestock production, dairy farming plays a critical role in sustaining livelihoods, contributing 35–40% to rural household incomes. Despite women's extensive involvement in on-farm dairy practices such as milking, feeding, cleaning, and animal care their contributions remain largely unrecognized due to entrenched patriarchal norms, limited access to resources, and restricted decision-making authority. This study investigated the socio-economic characteristics and roles of women in on-farm dairy practices, the barriers they faced in adopting improved practices, and the support extended by livestock extension services. District Okara, known as a hub of dairy farming in Pakistan, was selected as the study area. A cross-sectional design was employed, focusing on Tehsil Okara. A sample of 120 female respondents was selected conveniently, and data was collected using a structured interview schedule. The tool was validated through expert consultation and pre-testing, while data was analyzed using SPSS software. Findings revealed that while a majority of women actively participated in essential dairy operations, only 1.7% was solely responsible for milking, and just 11.7% administered medicines or vaccines. Moreover, only 18.3% of the women had any formal degree or diploma in livestock management, highlighting the lack of professional training. Despite this, 85% of women demonstrated the ability to recognize animal illness, and 70.8% relied on home remedies for treatment. The study also showed that socio-cultural barriers such as limited mobility, low literacy rates (37.5% illiterate), and exclusion from formal training continue to hinder women’s full potential in dairy development. The study concluded that empowering women through education, access to veterinary training, and active inclusion in livestock extension services was crucial for improving productivity and ensuring rural household well-being. It was recommended that policy interventions focus on increasing women’s access to resources, capacity-building programs, and gender-sensitive livestock extension services to ensure inclusive and sustainable dairy development in Pakistan.