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Agriculture, Electrification and Gendered Time Use in Rural Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Tanu Gupta

    (Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi, India.)

  • Md. Tajuddin Khan

    (Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, United States.)

  • Digvijay Singh Negi

    (Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana, India.)

Abstract

We study the linkages between electrification, activity participation and time use of individuals in rural Bangladesh. We find that households’ access to grid electricity positively correlates with the likelihood of males participating in non-farm work and females participating in agriculture. In electrified households, females reallocate time from domestic work and caregiving to more leisure and farming. Household access to electricity is positively associated with greater ownership of appliances like fans, refrigerators, televisions, and mobile phones. Moreover, we observe a greater likelihood of electrified households irrigating via electrical pumps and using female family labor on their farms. Electrification is also positively associated with women’s involvement in decisions regarding farm-related activities and household expenses. The findings suggest that in farming communities, agriculture may play a critical role in the link between rural electrification, women’s workforce participation, and household bargaining power.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanu Gupta & Md. Tajuddin Khan & Digvijay Singh Negi, 2024. "Agriculture, Electrification and Gendered Time Use in Rural Bangladesh," Working Papers 137, Ashoka University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ash:wpaper:137
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products

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