Channels introducing life impacting small technologies for women in SNNPR: where are the media?

Abstract

This study was conducted in Southern Ethiopia to assess how life impacting technologies are transferred to women, what factors affect the transfer, and to find out the role of media in the process. The study employed household survey data collected from 11,476 households all over the region. The study adopted a women empowerment index and Roger’s (1983, 2003) diffusion of innovations model. According to the findings, various factors are in play, and interpersonal and mediated channels are found to be important in transferring vital technology to women, albeit the role of the media is in short due to high women illiteracy. The media, however, need to strive to improve their contribution by creating culturally compatible programs using local radio stations that broadcast programs in respective local languages.