Women Participation in Agriculture Among the Lotha Nagas with Reference to Jhumming

WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE AMONG THE LOTHA NAGAS WITH REFERENCE TO JHUMMING

Dr.Athungo Ovung Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Nagaland University, Hqrs: Lumami-798627

Abstract Seventy-three per cent of the people in Nagaland are engaged in agriculture and women in agriculture constitute more than 50.11 per cent. Women in rural areas have impacted the agricultural system and economy of the Wokha district by way of participating in crop production, horticulture and vegetable production as well as in livestock along with household management. With regard to jhum cultivation, men’s contributions come in the form of services that are physically demanding and seasonal however, women contributions happen in day-to-day activities that are tedious and continuous. Considering the gender bias in agriculture with reference to jhum cultivation, there is a need to explore the possibilities of evolving greater participation of women in the process of decision making for planning and implementation of various development activities in agriculture by acknowledging the barriers imposed on them due to culture and tradition. This article examines the extent of women participation in agriculture with reference to jhuming and identifies some constraints to women’s role in agriculture and gives some suggestions for further research.

Keywords: Agriculture, jhuming, women participation, constraints.

I. Introduction

The state of Nagaland is endowed with vast natural resources with adequate rainfall, fertile soil and salubrious combine to growing variety of agro-horti crops. Agriculture in the state is largely practiced in a conventional pattern. As per the Nagaland statistical handbook, the population of the state is 19,80,602 out of which 71.03% (14,06,861) of the population lives is in Rural area constituting 2,50,360 total farming household. Seventy three per cent of the people in the state are engaged in agriculture and women in agriculture constitute more than 50.11 per cent. Wokha district, known as the land of plenty, located in the North Western track of the state, covered 1628 sq.km which accounts for 9.82 per cent of the total geographic area of the state. The economy of the district is predominantly agriculture as 75 % of the total population is engaged in agricultural activities for their livelihood (DRDA, 2005). The most common practice of agriculture in the district is Jhuming also called as shifting and the slash and burn method of cultivation. Jhuming plays a very important role in the life and culture of the Lotha people. Majority of the villagers go for jhum cultivation besides practicing other cultivating methods. The method of jhuming is practiced individually with the help of one‟s own family members and the system of collective jhum cultivation by the community does not exist in their society. Jhum cultivation is a traditional practice where ancient tools and implements are required for cultivation. Traditionally, there was enough land

DOI:10.22623/IJAPSA.2019.5011.3RB2F Page 1

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X that could be provided to each family member for cultivation where the cycle of jhum cultivation were between 10 to 20 years. But, with the increased number of population, the jhuming cycle is becoming shorter nowadays with an exception for small villages and villages situated near the urban areas. It does not bring sufficient output of production, but provides only for the family needs. Nevertheless, the villagers are satisfied with their present method of jhum cultivation and at the same time, they are also enthusiastic to learn new, improved and scientific method of cultivation In many developing countries, women are the primary manager and users of natural resources. Yet, gender is often overlooked element in agriculture, water, and forestry programs and projects. Gender analysis increases our understanding of the gender-based division of labour, indigenous knowledge, resource access and control, and participation in community institutions with respect to natural resource management (Slayter et al., 1993). The Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development (NEPED) realizing the tremendous contribution of women in agriculture and at the same time, acknowledging the barriers imposed on them due to culture and tradition, has attempted to address the gender issues by involving women in its activities from grass root level upwards. General awareness has been created on existing social rights and privileges of women by having them organized into Self-Help-Group (SHG). Economic activities and access to credit has been enhanced for uplifting the living standard of farm families.

II. Methodology The study has been confined mainly to the parameter of Wokha district of Nagaland. The sampling technique adopted in this study has been based on stratified random sampling to arrive at final result based on their classified three ranges of the district. A total of 90 respondents were taken from two villages from each range with 15 respondents respectively. The sample villages are; a) Wokha Range or Upper range - Lonsachung village and Wokha village, b) Sanis Range or Middle Range – Pangti village and Moilan village and c) Bhandari Range or Lower Rang – Hankvu village and Ralan old village.

III. Existing Agricultural Farming: Jhuming is the most common farming practice in the district; it is not a way of farming but is interrelated with the socio-economic condition of the people. Jhuming also called as shifting and the slash and burn method of cultivation is one of the most ancient system of farming believed to have been originated in the Neolithic period around 7000 B.C. Jhuming is a primitive agriculture practice regarded as the first step in transition from food gathering and hunting to food production. It is a traditional practice using ancient tools and implements such as spade, hoe and scrapes as the cultivated lands are steep slope marginal land. It does not bring sufficient output of production, but provides only for the family needs. Traditionally, the cycle of jhuming in the district varies between 10 to 20 years but with increased in population, the jhuming cycle is becoming shorter nowadays that revolves around 5 to 8 years. The method followed in Jhuming differs from one region to another and is not exactly the same all over the world or even various states within India. However, the essential features of jhuming are the same in the sense that forest are cleared and felling trees and burning followed by mixed planting of seeds of various crops without any soil conservation practices and finally shift to another place. There is no capital investment, except the labour and the seeds that also come free from the household. The Nagaland Jhumland act, 1974: This Act extends to the whole of Nagaland, provided that the state Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt any place from the operation of the whole or part of this Act. Accrual of customary rights (section 3): A customary right to jhumland shall be established in favour of a village, or community when such village or community has enjoyed the right according to

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X the existing local custom to cultivate or utilize such jhumland for not less than thirty years. Section 3(2) provides that any land to which customary rights have not been established according to sub-section (1) the Deputy Commissioner or the Additional Deputy Commissioner will reserve the right either to admit the customary rights on land or in consultation with the Area Council concern suggest formation of reserved forests according to rules in this regard framed under the Nagaland Forest Act, provided that the Officer concerned shall not exercise his discretion unless a public notice is issued in the Nagaland Gazette giving two months time to the village concerned.

The essential features of jhuming as practiced in Wokha district are;  Selection of sites before December.  Clearing and slashing of sites by cutting jungles in December to January.  Burning the dried twigs and leaves of trees around mid-February to mid-March.  Clearing and land preparation on the fourth week of March and first week of April.  Sowing of almost every crop is done in the month of April either by dibbling or broadcasting.  Intercultural operation like weeding and thinning. Usually, one hand weeding is done in the month of June.  Harvesting operation starts from September and continues till October.  Thrashing is done during the last week of October  Storing starts thrashing took place.  Slashing of another patch of forest.

Both men and women contribute effectively to the livelihood and food security of the households in the district. However, being patrilineal and patriarchal in nature men‟s contribution come in the form of service that are physically demanding and sessional such as slashing and burning of jhum field, construction of huts and the rest of the crop production activities right from seed selection and sowing to the harvest are mainly done by women.

IV. Extent of women participation in jhuming

Iftikhar et al (2007) reported that women play a vital role in crop production; they perform sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting and post-harvest operation such as threshing, winnowing, drying, grinding, huskig and storage; whereas in livestock production, they look after the animals and do primary medication. Moreover, they also have to perform domestic chores like cooking, cleaning the house, washing clothes, taking care of the children and fetching water and fuel. In order to determine the extent of women participation with reference to jhuming several jhuming operation were selected, viz., selection of land, Clearing of sites by cutting of jungle , burning of jhum field, field preparation, sowing, intercultural operation, harvesting, threshing, storing and marketing

4.1. Selection of land: The unwritten customs, cultural patterns, conventions, social norms and values had been established by old-age usages and practices by the member of the Lotha society. Being such is the case among the Lotha Naga, women as a group has been dominated by men and their status has been low in the family and society. Likewise, the Lotha custom and tradition provides selection of sites for jhum field to be predominantly performed by men as a decision-making body. Selection of sites in the district is done before the month of December.

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

Table 1 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on selection of land Category Name of the villages Total Per cent V:1 V:2 V:3 V:4 V:5 V:6 Always 1 1 2 1 2 2 9 10.00 Often 3 2 3 1 3 1 13 14.44 Sometimes 4 3 4 6 5 6 28 31.11 Never 7 9 6 7 5 6 40 44.44 Total 15 15 15 15 15 15 90 100 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village The analysis of the statement on the basis of village-wise distribution of respondents based on selection of land clearly shows that involvement of women in selection of land took place in Wokha district contradict to the tradition and custom of the Lotha Naga. The table indicates respondent‟s participation in land selection under the category of „Always‟ (10 %), „Often‟ (14.44%) and „Sometimes‟ (31.11). the study also reveals that women‟s involvement in selection of sites happens when the head of the family (Father/Husband) are sometimes lazy, alcoholic or unavailable during the particular time and when women are also involved in productive income generating source.

4.2. Clearing of sites by cutting of jungle and burning of jhum field: Being patriarchal in nature conventionally clearing of sites by cutting of jungle and burning of jhum field are perceived as male dominated task among the Lotha Naga. Clearing and slashing of sites in the month of December to January. And burning the dried twigs and leaves of trees took place during mid-February to mid-March. Table 2 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on clearing of sites and burning of jhum field Village Clearing of sites Burning of jhum field Always Often Sometimes Never Always Often Sometimes Never V:1 4 3 6 2 3 - 7 5 V:2 3 2 8 2 3 - 6 6 V:3 4 3 7 1 2 1 9 3 V:4 5 2 6 2 4 1 6 4 V:5 6 2 6 1 4 1 7 3 V:6 5 2 7 1 4 1 7 3 Total 27 14 40 9 20 4 42 24 Per cent 30 15.56 44.44 10 22.22 4.44 46.67 26.67 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village Table 2 interestingly projects the distribution of respondents on cutting of jungles very high in the category of „Always‟ (30%) and „Sometimes‟ (43.33). The study also indicates women actively involved in burning of jungle. It shows that respondent‟s participation in burning of jungle high in the category of „Always‟ (22.22%) and „Sometimes‟ (46.67%)

4.3. Field preparation and sowing: Field preparation and sowing are often regarded as works perform both by men and women according to the tradition of the Lotha Naga. Clearing and land preparation on the fourth week of March and first week of April and Sowing of almost every crop is done in the month of April either by dibbling or broadcasting.

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

Table 3 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on field preparation and Sowing

Village Field preparation Sowing Always Often Sometimes Never Always Often Sometimes Never V:1 11 2 2 - 11 2 2 - V:2 11 1 2 1 12 2 1 - V:3 12 2 1 - 12 2 1 - V:4 12 1 2 - 15 - - - V:5 12 2 1 - 13 1 1 - V:6 12 2 1 - 13 1 1 - Total 70 10 9 1 76 8 6 Per cent 77.78 11.11 10.00 1.11 84.44 8.89 6.67 0 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village In the field preparation activity, majority of the respondents i.e 77.78% are involved in „Always‟ category followed by „Often‟ category. Only 1.11% falls under „Never‟ category which clearly points out that women are actively involved in field preparation. And an analysis of the distribution of respondents based on sowing reveals that 84.44% falls under the category of „Always‟ followed by 8.89% in „Often‟ category and 6.67% in „Sometimes‟ category. Not a single respondents fall under „Never‟ category.

4.4. Intercultural operation: Intercultural operation like weeding and thinning are carried out mainly by women, although in rare cases men participation are seen especially in lower range as indicates in the table below (Table 4). Mostly, one hand weeding is done in the month of June. Table 4 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on intercultural operation Category Name of the villages Total Per cent V:1 V:2 V:3 V:4 V:5 V:6 Always 12 13 11 15 10 8 69 73.33 Often 3 1 4 - 4 4 16 21.11 Sometimes - 1 - - 1 3 5 5.55 Never ------0 0 G. Total 15 15 15 15 15 15 90 100 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village Table 4 demonstrates that 73.33% of the respondents falls under „Always‟ category followed by 21.11% under „Often‟ category and nil participation in „Never‟ category. This clearly shows that the role of men in this activity is less comparing to other features of jhuming 4.5. Harvesting: Harvesting also perceived as male dominated task according to the custom. Harvesting operation starts from September and continues till November.

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

Table 5 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on harvesting Category Name of the villages Total Per cent V:1 V:2 V:3 V:4 V:5 V:6 Always 10 13 12 10 12 9 54 73.33 Often 4 1 2 3 2 3 15 16.67 Sometimes 1 1 1 2 1 2 8 8.89 Never - - - - - 1 1 1.11 G. Total 15 15 15 15 15 15 90 100 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village

Table 5 indicates that most of the respondents (73.33%) are under „Always‟ category followed by „Often‟ with 16.67%. While the respondents under „Sometimes‟ categories have 8.89% where as respondents under „Never‟ category has only 1.11%.

4.6. Threshing and Storing: Thrashing and storing are done both by men and women. Thrashing is done during the last week of October and storing starts as soon as threshing is over in the month of November. Table 6 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on Threshing and Storing Village Threshing Storing Always Often Sometimes Never Always Often Sometimes Never V:1 8 3 2 2 11 1 3 - V:2 7 3 3 2 8 1 6 - V:3 9 1 3 2 11 1 3 - V:4 12 3 - - 12 3 - - V:5 12 3 - - 12 3 - - V:6 6 2 5 2 8 2 5 - Total 42 15 13 8 62 11 17 Per cent 46.67 16.67 14.44 8.89 68.89 12.22 18.89 0 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village

Table 6 projects the distribution of respondent‟s participation in order to know how actively women are involved in threshing. It shows that respondents under „Always‟ category is 60% followed by „Often‟ category with 16.67% and 14.44% under „Sometimes‟ category, while respondent under „Never‟ category have only 8.89%. It also reveals that none of the respondents falls under „Never‟ category with highest in „Always‟-68.89 category followed by „Sometimes‟-18.89 category and 12.22% under „often‟ category. 4.7. Marketing: Most of the vegetables products produced from jhuming in the district are transported to other districts of Nagaland namely to Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung. Majority of the vendor belongs to women folks either selling through market, street or door to door selling. Women of Lotha Naga also dominate local markets not only in their own home Town (Wokha) but also in Kohima and Dimapur town.

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

Table 7 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on marketing

Category Name of the villages Total Per cent V:1 V:2 V:3 V:4 V:5 V:6 Always 12 14 8 6 8 12 60 66.67 Often - - 5 6 4 2 17 18.89 Sometimes - - 2 2 3 1 8 8.89 Never 3 1 - 1 - - 5 5.55 G. Total 15 15 15 15 15 15 90 100 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village

The study clearly reveals that respondent‟s participation in buying and selling activities was fairly high as 66.67% under “Always‟ category followed by 18.89% under „Often‟ category and 8.89% under „Sometimes‟ category. While respondents under „Never‟ category is only 5.55%.

V. Constraints to women’s role in agriculture

Agriculture represents a dominant sector of the economy of Wokha district. Rural women in the district participate in crop production, processing, horticulture, vegetable production, as well as in livestock along with household management and feeding families. Apart from these some small segment of women are also engaged in weaving and small scale income generating activities. Though the share immense responsibilities and constitute about half of the total working force, yet little is known about the participation of women, their source of livelihood, the constraints they face resulted in Gender Discrimination, Gender Violence, Gender Division of Labour, Gender Gap and so on among the Naga society. There is growing realization that development programmes have not only failed to benefit women, but also have hurt them (Adekanye,1985)

5.1. Lack of decision making: Gender equity refers to the allocation of resources opportunities, support and encouragement without any discrimination on the basis of biology, between men and women. i.e. it means that women and men have equal conditions for realizing their full human rights and potential to contribute to national, political, economic, social and cultural development and benefit from the result. Women are usually given lower status than men and they are not usually allowed a voice in development As far as the Naga customary law is concerned, there are systematic and structural inequalities between men and women with regards to decision-making bodies where women are virtually excluded from positions of power, intentionally or otherwise. Even at the village level women are not are not allowed to participate in community debates or discussions which practice continues till instance so far. They may be some social conditions like illiteracy, poverty; social customs, ignorance and lack of awareness of rights, but women in general are always put behind. Even at this stage after various development programmes for women have been implemented, the pressure of traditional customs and norms continue to determine the societal attitudes towards women. They are deprived from political, village council member, church leader, and non-governmental organization.

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

Table 8 Village-wise distribution of respondents participation at different organizations

Village Organizations

Govt. sector Political party V.C.M V.D.B Church leaders N.G.O’S Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No V: 1 2 13 7 8 - 15 2 13 3 12 4 11 V: 2 4 11 6 9 - 15 1 14 4 11 3 12 V: 3 5 10 2 13 - 15 1 14 6 9 6 11 V: 4 6 9 1 14 - 15 - 15 2 13 3 12 V: 5 4 11 - 15 - 15 - 15 1 14 2 13 V: 6 3 2 2 13 - 15 2 13 4 11 4 11 Total 24 66 18 72 - 90 6 74 20 70 22 68 Per cent 26.67 73.33 20 80 100 6.67 82.22 22.22 77.78 24.44 75.55 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village Table 8 demonstrates the level of women‟s participation in different organizations. Women participation is highest in government sector with 26.67% followed by NGOs-24.44%, Church leaders- and political party-20% and with respondents participation falls nil in the category of VCM. The study also clearly indicates that men folk want women to join government job not because they want women to take part in decision making bodies but to make a living out of it. Likewise, when it comes to village development board, majority of men are not in support of women representation as enforced by act of 1979 as in reality women hardly get elected for such post.

5.2. Lack of control over productive resources: The traditional patriarchal structures and ethos are largely intact even at present generation. As far as customary law is concerned there is no reservation for Lotha women in inheriting any property especially immovable properties such as house, forest, and all forms of land that includes agricultural land. Such is the case women folk lack control over productive resources necessary for their livelihood activities. These include lack of control over land, labour and capital which are the main determinants of agricultural productivity. Though women are considered as an integral part of productive system, yet they do not have financial control over the resources they produce.

Table 9 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on inheritance of agricultural land

Category of land Name of the villages Total Per cent V:1 V:2 V:3 V:4 V:5 V:6 Clan land ------0 0 Parental acquired land 4 5 2 1 4 6 22 24.44 Self acquired land 11 10 13 14 11 9 60 75.56 Total 15 15 15 15 15 15 90 100 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

The study shows that respondent‟s participation in „Self acquire land’ category was highest with 75.56% followed by „Parental acquired land’ category (24.44%) which can be possible through „gift‟ and „will‟. It was noteworthy that none not a single respondent falls under „clan land‟ category which clearly shows that they were well aware of the custom which does not permit them to inherit clan land.

5.3. Lack of education and training: Gender training refers to a process of developing awareness and capacity on gender issues, to bring about personal or organizational change for gender equality. In olden days, unlike other Naga societies Lotha does not have girl‟s dormitory where a kind of schooling took place. Even at the time of British rule and coming of Christian missionaries women were not allowed to go to school thinking that their lives revolved around the home. Education is considered as the key to socio-economic success, medicine, engineering, management and so on. Women in rural areas performed agricultural tasks in traditional manner even at this present stage of modern technology. Lack of education and training in basic skills contribute to the vicious cycle of under-development.

Table 9 Village-wise distribution of respondents based on lack of knowledge and training

Name of the village Category Lack of education Lack of training Yes No Yes No V: 1 4 11 9 6 V: 2 3 12 6 9 V: 3 4 11 8 7 V: 4 6 9 11 4 V: 5 7 8 11 4 V: 6 8 7 9 6 Total 32 58 54 36 Per cent 35.56 64.44 60 40 Note: V:1-Lonsachung village, V:2-Wokha village, V:3-Pangti village, V:4-Moilan, V:5-Hankvu village, V:6 Old Ralan village

Table 9 reveals that majority (60%) of the respondents expressed the lack of training and high percentage (35.56%) of the respondents also falls under the category of lack of education. Lack of training and education restrict women participation in income generating services. The study also reveals that need of training, reward of good work and moral support from men can help the rural women develop their potential qualities and be more skillful in various development programmes that may increase empowerment status of women in agriculture.

Summary Women in Wokha district play a significant role in agricultural activities specially to jhuming and these days agriculture is becoming a female activity. Women farmers are the principle labour force in jhuming and perform the largest in field preparation, sowing, weeding, harvesting, threshing, storing and marketing. Men‟s contributions come only in the form of services that are physically demanding and seasonal in nature. However, in spite of their major contribution, agriculture continues to be perceived as

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 05, Issue 7, [July-2019] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X a male dominated sector and considered Lotha women as an economic asset and confers a relatively high status but does not make her equal to men. Traditional beliefs and practices are often the root cause of gender gap. The social and cultural taboos imposed on women that prevail among the Nagas are also responsible to a large extent in not developing agricultural products. The study reveals that majority of the constraints faced by women in wokha district are related to customary laws that exclude woman from the right to property, inheritance and participation in decision making bodies. The study found that gender issues related studies may be conducted on a large scale covering all the districts of the state and may also planned to find out the indicators of the empowerment status of women in agriculture. It also shows that economic empowerment should be given to the women such as ownership of assets (movable or immovable) to enhance their sense of self-confidence in promoting food production and empower women to gain equal access to production and marketing.

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