Analysis of Rural Women’s Role in Paddy Cultivation Practices (Case Study: Tonekabon Township)

The aim of the research was analysis of rural women’s role in paddy cultivation practices in Tonekabon Township. Research population was consisted of paddy farmers women in Tonekabon Township (N=14539), whose 130 ones were selected using Cochran’s formula. Data were gathered by cluster random sampling method. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. Its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Results of descriptive statistics showed that the rural women are involved in planting to rice harvesting practices whit a relatively high role. The results of the correlation coefficient also showed that there is significant positive relationship between age, work experience, head of household, number of children, and access to educational - extensional services with role of rural women in Paddy cultivation practices. Also, there was a negative and significant relationship between rural women’s education and their role in paddy cultivation practices. Stepwise regression analysis showed that education, age and access to educational - extensional services can explain 32.3% of the changes in the dependent variable (role of rural women in paddy cultivation practices).