COLLEGE OF LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

SCHOOL OF GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF THE AFRICA INSTITUTE OF GOVERNANCE AND

DEVELOPMENT (AIGAD)

Proposal on

Assessment of Working Condition of Flower Farm Female Worker

in Oromiya Region: Case of Holeta Towm

By

Sara Lakew Wodajo

ID.NO: ECSU1800003

Advisor

Chuol R. Compuok (PhD)

January, 2019

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Table of Contents
Title Page
CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Research Question............................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Scope of the Study .............................................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................................... 5
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE .................................................................................................... 5
2. Women’s Work and Employment............................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Employment and Income Situation ..................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Women's Role and Position in Industry .............................................................................................. 7
2.4.2 Health problem............................................................................................................................. 9
2.4.3 Low wage ................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.4 Lack of work union .................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Other countries experience................................................................................................................ 10
2.6 Floriculture in Ethiopia ..................................................................................................................... 12
2.7 International Code of conduct for Flower Production ...................................................................... 12
2.8 Ethiopia Code of Practice for Sustainable Flower Production .......................................................... 13
2.9 Conceptual framework ...................................................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................. 15
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 15
3.2 Research Design .......................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Research Approaches ................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Sample Design ............................................................................................................................. 16
3.4.1 Study Population ...................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.2 Sampling Frame ....................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.3 Sample Size ............................................................................................................................... 16
3.5 Sampling Techniques ...................................................................................................................... 17
3.6 Sources of Data 18
3.6.1 Data Source ................................................................................................................................ 18
 3.6.2 Primary Source of Data .............................................................................................................. 18
3.6.3 Secondary Source Of Data ......................................................................................................... 18
3.7 Tools of Data Collection 18
3.8 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 18
Time Schedule ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Budget schedule .......................................................................................................................................... 21
The researchers will follow the following budget break down ........................................................... 21
 CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction

This paper deals with assessment of social aspect of women farm worker cut flower industry with
particular emphasis on Holeta Floriculture Industry based and operating in oromiya region, in
Ethiopia. In this chapter, the background of the study, statement of the problem, research
questions, and research objectives, significance of the study, scope of the study and organization
of the paper was presented.

1.1 Background

Floriculture can be defined as “a discipline of horticulture specialized in the cultivation of

flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, which comprising the floral
industry.” It can also be defined as “The segment of Horticulture concerned with commercial
production, marketing, and sale of bedding plants, cut flowers, potted flowering plants, foliage
plants, flower arrangements and noncommercial home gardening.The floral industry is one of the
higher industries in many developing and underdeveloped countries. Floriculture as an industry
began in the late 19th century in the United Kingdom, where flowers were grown on a large scale
on the vast estates. But in 1990s, flower farming has been moving from the markets in the
western world to those in developing nations where more favorable weather conditions and
lower labor and production costs are available.

In the late 1990 the emergence and expansion of private business, horticulture Industry also
came to Ethiopia. The first private farm that started trading flowers was the Ethio-flora.
Currently Ethiopia produce several flower species, including roses, gypsophila, Hypericum,
limonium, carnations, and chrysanthemum. The present day Flower farming industry is one of
the dynamic, fast growing sectors in Ethiopia economy. According to Ethiopian Horticulture
Producers Exporters Association pamphlet (2007), investors are attracted by an improved
investment code, a five year tax holiday, duty-free import of machinery and easy access to bank
loans and land acquisition. In addition to the above incentives the favorable agro-ecological
condition of the country, the abundant cheap and easily trained labor, proximity to EU and
Middle East markets encourages so many foreign and local investors to invest in Ethiopia . As a
result of this, a country has another export commodity next to coffee, pulses and oil seeds, gold,
chat. It has better comparative advantage than ‘traditional’ agriculture and reduces the huge gap
in technology between developing and developed nations, while at the same time creating
massive job opportunities. In addition, the industry has generated over 180 thousand jobs, of
which the majorities (85percent) were for women (

https://www.flowerweb. com/ en/topic/Ethiopia-Floriculture-Industry)

Therefore, this sector contributes substantial to social and economic aspect to the country. There
is no sufficient research works conducted on the topic under study. This study focuses on
assessing on working condition of women worker in floriculture industry and specifically
emphasizes on Holeta flower farming and the area of women workers working condition.

1.2 Problem Statement

Each day thousands of roses and other fresh flowers are transported from Ethiopian to other
international countries mainly to Europe. This new and growing fast industries contribute to
minimize widespread young unemployment rate, however, the worker are vulnerable to various
constraints. Young women do most extremely heavy workload in flower farming. They do
unskilled work for low wages. They have no any access to knowledge and training .Secure jobs
are very limited and temporary employment makes women very vulnerable. Exploitation and
sexual abuse is rampant.

In addition floriculture production intensive uses of resources mainly are fertilizer and pesticides,
insecticide chemical and plant growth regulator for the growing purpose. The use chemical in the
green house negatively impacts on the workers welfare .Their effect on workers the health
condition of many female workers are particularly worrying: respiratory problem, headaches,
dizziness, blood vein problem and fatigue rather than the exception, miscarriage rates are high,
there is no personal protective equipment, and protective clothing is rarely available.

Furthermore, the employer does not allow employee to make union Association and deny the
workers’ rights, the intention is to make more profit by cheap labor. These rights are essential for
workers to have a voice and to come to agreement with their employers on fair wage, hours and
working condition. Freedom of association in flower farms can be violated both directly and
indirectly. Many farms state that they allow or even encourage unionization, yet may
discriminate against unionized employees. Some openly refuse to allow workers to unionize.
Because of these, the researcher believe that it is an appropriate and priority issue to asses social
aspect of cut flower industry found in Ethiopia

1.3 Objective of the Study

The major objective of this research was to assess the working condition in flower farm female
worker in floriculture industry in oromiya region.

Specific objective

The Study specifically aims:

• To examine the problem of the women worker working in the floriculture

• To identify the working environment meet the requirement of the international labor

• To investigate the role of job opportunity in improving women’s life

• To find out the mechanisms to solve women workers complain.

• To identify the advantage of female workers

1.4 Research Question

• How did the job opportunity affect women workers life improvement in Holeta
floriculture industry?

• How the working environments affect the women workers in Holeta floriculture Industry?

• What are the roles of job opportunity in improving women`s life?

• What are the mechanisms for the women workers to solve their complain in Holeta
floriculture Industry?

• What are the advantages for the women workers in Holeta Floriculture Industry?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study will be useful to the Ethiopian floriculture Industry Authority to design methods of
solving problem in regard to give attention for the well- being of farm workers. The study may
serve as a stepping stone for others who want to pursue further study on similar or the same topic
in the area and to provide an input to authorities of the Industries and decision makers for the
future actions
The study will be used for Policy Makers to assist in policy design to ensure sustainability of
floriculture industries and help them to come up with highly modified policies as well as more
appropriate measures to improve floriculture Industry of women worker health condition in the
study area.. The paper will be used to provide valuable information to information seekers
regarding the major problem of working condition of women worker.

For Academics/Researchers in broadening of the prospects with respect to this study will
enhance providing a deeper understanding of the major challenges of working condition of
women in the floriculture industries as a source of information and reference to future
researches.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research mainly concentrates on the discussion relating to assessing of the working
condition of flower farm female workers the case of Holeta Flowering farm. Knowing that
several factors cause women more challenge in the working condition, But on this research it has
chosen to focus only on how contribute organizational factor for women in working condition. It
does not include other variables beyond the organizational factor such as structural and
behavioral factors which will not be explored.

The study area is conducted only in Special Oromiya zone around Addis Ababa Holeta flower
farming focusing on three Flowering farm. So the researcher has chosen to conduct the study on
above specified area where the employees are situated and where most of those respondent
categories mentioned above are all placed.
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2. Women’s Work and Employment

2.1 Employment and Income Situation

Since 1970 the world economy has been going substantial change through which new pattern of
production, new technology, the world has been experiencing feminization labor market, which
may be explained by various factor such as export–led growth, structural adjustment and
economy crises etc.

In Developing country, on women’s socially and economically exploitation as a result of macro-

economic factors such as economic recession, the debt crises, globalization, stabilization and
particularly structural adjustment (imposed by the world bank and IMF) policies have impinged
on the lives of poor, seriously affecting women who earn less, own less, control less, and work
hardest. The impact of economic crises and restructuring have created further pressures on and
obstacles for women more than men in terms of livelihood resources, living standards and
conditions, and access to alternative labor or employment opportunities and These programs
may reduce purchasing power due to its main principles such as free market (possible higher
prices for basic necessities such as electricity, water), minimizing some services (health care,
social care etc.), macroeconomic policies (cut backs wages) and devaluation. Hence, women may
have to take place in the workforce as lower paid and unskilled labour, since previously obtained
family income is no longer efficient. This process may lead women to exposure to violence both
in business and family life. Besides deduction of social services might increase the burden of
working woman.

In Globalization Many industries employing a high proportion of women labor have expanded
rapidly. Much of this is low-skilled manufacturing—notably in garments, footwear and
electronic products—and ‘non-traditional’ agricultural products such as cut flowers, seasonal
fruits and vegetables. At the same time, with the increasing emphasis on cost-cutting
competitiveness, firms have been searching for ways to reduce their labor costs. This has often
meant changes in the structure of the labor market—away from formal, full-time employment
with entitlements, such as unemployment and sickness insurance, pensions and maternity
benefits however; people must work in more ‘flexible’ ways—whether part-time, temporary or
casual. And this is more likely to involve women .

Privatization creates many private companies in national and international level. Where women
are considered as a direct source of cheap labor. In addition, adjustment and/or restructuring
processes and withdrawal government subsidiary reduce women access to job security,
occupational stress, equity, social service (education, food, health sector, job training) and as a
result women are the most vulnerable who are forced to seek job opportunity mainly in informal
sector.

Globalization has witnessed the emergence of multinational corporations. Some literature review
,suggested that globalized market calls for cheaper labor for mass production. Women are more
negatively affected by globalization process than men. Jobs created for women in the globalizing
world are highly unskilled labor and low paid, which also means below the subsistence
minimum.

Internationally, advances in the pursuit of gender equality are evident through the development
and adoption of landmark inter-governmental agreements and comprehensive frameworks. From
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
(BPFA) and the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), commitments and obligations to
achieve address gender inequalities are articulated:

“. . . the achievement of equality between women and men are a matter of human rights and a
condition for social justice and should not be seen in isolation as a women's issue. They are the
only way to build a sustainable, just and developed society. Empowerment of women and
equality between women and men are prerequisites for achieving political, social, economic,
cultural and environmental security among all peoples”.

Equally important, in recognition to the existing gender disparities and the need for narrowing
the gaps in the various structures and programs, the government of Ethiopia has taken measures
at constitutional and policy levels to ensure gender equality. Article 35 of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution (1995) guarantees equality of men and
women in all aspects of social, economic, legal and political life. All harmful physical and
psychological damage to women have been prohibited. Women’s rights to acquire, transfer and
control property have been explicitly stated.

What is more, the Federal Democratic Government of Ethiopia has declared its unequivocal
commitment to the development of women with the announcement of the National Policy on
Women in 1993. The National Policy on Women spells out the government’s willingness to
abolish all discriminatory laws and regulations, and create an enabling environment for the full
participation of all members of the society in all developmental spheres, with special focus on
eliminating the subordination of women.

In this regard the government in collaboration with the non-government sectors and with the civil
society has made a tremendous effort to address the critical concerns. Different strategies and
intervention programs have been developed and implemented through the already established
gender machinery

2.3 Women's Role and Position in Industry

Historically women had been participating in their political, social, and economic aspect of their
country, however, their role has often under estimate and their work in the different sectors has
long been invisible . Also noted that women still affected by socio economic norms, however
their labor contribute triple in production, reproduction and community managing is very
important to the maintenance of economic and political development.

Women have struggled in every historical epoch and in every part of the world for equal
treatment. In the early part of this century, the right of women to receive an education, to obtain
paid employment, to enter professions, to vote and to stand for elections were all highly
contested issues. However, by the end of the century these rights of women in many parts of the
world still face multiple obstacles in enjoying these rights. (hrlibrary.umn.edu/edumat/
IHRIP/circle/modules/module4.htm)

In the Industrial era revolution, women achieved significant progress in the economically
progressive areas dominated by Western culture, including North America, Europe, and
Australia . In developing areas dominated by non-Western culture, however, women remain
more or less subjugated, and in some countries they are stripped of any human rights .
Exploitation and abuse of women, including outright violence, are acceptable in countries where
women have an inferior social status by customary or formal law. Violence against women and
girls is a direct corollary of their subordinate status in society. Primitive cultures have beliefs,
norms, and social institutions that legitimize and therefore perpetuate violence against women.
Abused women in developing countries tend to accept their inferior status and to adopt the
traditional values of submission and servility (Ibid).

According to Women and Children: the double dividend of gender equality, UNICEF’s State of
the World’s Children 2007 report, even in most developing countries, women in the labor force
participating work longer hours , earn significantly less when doing so and spend far more time
on unpaid tasks (such as household work)

Women get push casual low paying wage work, unskilled labor ,low wage secure job ,for longer
hours work informal employment in order to take responsible of their children and help for the
survival of poor family. Mostly, they are unpaid when they enter the formal labor market.

Majority of women go for typical forms of the wage work or self-employment, rather than stable
fulltime wage employment in the formal sectors of the economy. These forms of work are
mainly associated with low earnings, lack of training opportunities or promotion, and they tend
to be highly unstable. It is believed that gender segregation play a significant role in the type of
jobs that women and men occupy

2.4 Challenge Women Face at Work Place

According to (Labor Education, 2003/4) Violence has always been part of working life. Violence
at work can take a number of different forms. It can be in the form of physical assaults or threats,
or it can be psychological – expressed through bullying, mobbing or harassment on many
grounds, including gender, race or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment, a problem most
commonly affecting women, is one of the most offensive and demeaning experiences.

Lack of or little education, lack of limited potential for advancement, lack of confidence lack of
awareness about rights and being female at the labor force are also major causes for their
challenges

2.4.1 Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment define as “any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor, verbal or
physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behavior of a sexual nature that
might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation to another.

Sexual harassment in work place occur when a person , usually the offender is generally in
position of advantage takes , because he has a higher ranking or position or in older, by using in
the most common forms of sexual harassment are whistles , invitations to go out , insinuating
glances , and pornographic jokes . In addition more explicit and more serious forms of sexual
harassment, such as unwelcome touches , hugging against the woman’s will , unwelcome kisses ,
, being invited out by a superior with a promise to improve her job ,workers have been forced to
sleep with a coworker or superior and almost have been done sexually attacked(Ibid)

Women workers who are the victims of sexual harassment feel offended and hurt, but they do
not know how to confront the situation. They don’t talk about these incidents because they are
unaware of their rights, because fear of being fired from job, because they have been threatened,
because they feel embarrassed or guilty, or because they fear that no one will believe them(Bid).

2.4.2 Health problem

According to (ILO List of Occupational Diseases, 2010), present a serious new occupational
diseases which in caused by intensively used of chemical and pesticide is cancer. Women have a
unique susceptibility to pesticides because of their physiological characteristics, lifestyle, and
behavior. Beside women are unlikely to get health and medical care. They are employed in low
level of educational and income. this is because their salaries insufficient to cover the health care
expense.

2.4.3 Low wage

Minimum wages are an important tool for social protection, probably even more so in the midst
of an economic crisis, by helping to stabilize demand and ensure a decent level of income for a
worker. In general, they are meant to advance social and economic objectives, such as reducing
wage inequality, preventing unduly low wages, protecting employers from wage-dumping by
competitors, increasing productivity and limiting poverty mainly among low-paid, unskilled
workers .
2.4.4 Lack of work union

Worker union aims to protect and benefit workers on flowers farms by working with certified
farms to ensure decent working conditions for their employees and protecting workers’ rights.
These rights encompass economic, environmental and social dimensions of working conditions
but also aim to amplify and strengthen the voice and choices of workers’ themselves According
to Ethiopian labor proclamation 377/2003 allows flower farm workers maintain worker union to
enabling decent working condition in industrial place.

2.5 Other countries experience

Due to heavy use of pesticides and fungicides, nearly two-thirds of Colombian flower workers
suffer from one or more floriculture-related health problems including headaches, nausea,
impaired vision, conjunctivitis, rashes, asthma, congenital malformations and respiratory and
neurological problems.

Most flower workers are paid poverty level wages. In Colombia, workers earn an average of $7 a
day, a fraction of what US consumers pay for one bouquet of flowers. Women are often forced to
take pregnancy tests as a condition of hire, and if found to be pregnant, are not hired. Women
who are found to be pregnant after starting to work at a flower farm are often fired.

A research conducted by Colombian flower industry workers are often obliged to exceed the
legal maximum daily or weekly average working hours often without compensation for the extra
hours worked, while also suffering serious health hazards because of the high use of chemical
products. Claims of discrimination against pregnant women are also often made. Last but not
least, freedom of association is not respected, despite Colombian legislation and international
labour norms.

According to a 2000 study by The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that 20% of
the 60,000 Ecuadorian flower workers were children or young adults. Many workers are
employed through “labor cooperatives” or subcontractors. These workers are paid less and are
denied most basic rights including the right to join a worker association (Ibid).
In the Ecuadorian cut flower industry ,over half of the workers are women of reproductive age
work in the Ecuadorian flower Industry where exposure to pesticide is highly probable, the hour
are long and pregnant women are likely to spend much of work day standing have a higher risk
of spontaneous abortion

Workers are frequently exposed to dangerous chemicals, women are victims of various forms of
sexual harassment, heavy workloads result in repetitive stress injuries, and women report
ruptured varicose veins from standing for long hours and kidney problems from restricted
bathroom use.

They did not have any other alternative means of living Overcoming Poverty. Mostly women are
more likely to be increasingly pressure to cover child’s food and school fee expense.

Report states that have been similar problem concern about safety of workers in flower farm in
Uganda. Some problems in flower farm include most of the workers on flower farms are paid
poorly, inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment to workers, lack of medical and
health insurance service, high child labor exploitation , high work overload, not encouraging
workers allowing them to join trade unions

Most of the floriculture industries welfare of the worker is the worst not covered by the labor law
and polices. Like other countries experience Kenya’s cut flower farm women workers, who
work in the cut flower farm are vulnerable for sexual harassment in both green house and pack
house, there is gender power discrepancy , insecure job, overtime is compulsory, transportation
is not provided after dark, lack of promotion ,lack of access to adequate maternity leave creates
anxiety about income security and can lead women to seek abortion and or hide their
pregnancies, both of which can carry long term health implication, lack of awareness of their
employment right and national legislation, lack of communication between management and
workers in the industry and lack of women right organization .

In general floriculture Industry as a means of creating job opportunity for every country beside
of this it is a source of foreign currency .however as noted above, especially women workers
have exposure to human right violation and they made the worst of life.
2.6 Floriculture in Ethiopia

Floriculture has become the fastest growing sub-sector in the country. Particularly since 2000, a
number of foreign companies, mainly from EU countries, have joined the sector through direct
investment . In 2014, 84 flower farms, of which more than half are of foreign origin, are
operating in Ethiopia. The floriculture sector has created employment for an estimated number of
200,000 people. , Out of this number, 70 percent of them are women,

Ethiopia is the second-largest producer of roses in Africa, with Kenya leading and sixth in the
world after Holland, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya and Isreal. Seventy percent of the flower export
goes to the Netherlands, the biggest auction center for flowers and the rest to Russia, the U.S,
and Japan etc.

Due to the rapid expansion of the sector, According to Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters
Association (EHPEA), Ethiopia has gained 300 million USD from flower and other horticulture
products in 2017. From this, flower export takes the highest share. The total area of horticulture
in Ethiopia is almost about 12,552 hectares of land from which floriculture, 80% foreign revenue
earner of the sector, is practiced on only 1,442 hectares of land. This is only 11% of the
developed horticulture land in the country. The major growing areas are located around Addis
Ababa, Debre Zeit, Ziway , Holeta and Sebeta

2.7 International Code of conduct for Flower Production

The International code of conduct (ICC) is a guideline promotes the socially and
environmentally responsible flower, fern, and plant and foliage cultivation both in the northern
and southern countries. ICC objective to improve specially working condition of workers
Freedom of association and collective bargaining, Equality of treatment, Living wages, Working
Hours, Health and Safety. Pesticides and Chemicals, Security of employment, Protection of the
environment, Child labor is not used, No forced labor

2.8 Ethiopia Code of Practice for Sustainable Flower Production

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Code of Practice has been developed
by a team comprising EHPEA members and local stakeholders and the development has been
guided by external expertise provided through the Ethiopia Netherlands Horticulture Partnership
Programme. It is to provide a mechanism that enables the Ethiopian floriculture sector to achieve
the highest performance standards by continuous improvement and sustainable development and
thereby improving the competitive position in the market. By ensuring
• Long term economic viability of the sector
• Implementation of sustainable working practices and procedures
• Development of skills at all levels of employment
• Enhancement of the implementation of safe working practices to maintain the well being
of the work force
• Continuous and responsible management of the environment
• Implementation of at least the minimum labor conditions in accordance with the National
Law and promotion of healthy industrial relations
• Active contribution to the community in which we operate
• Enhancement of consumer health and safety.

2.9 Conceptual framework

A conceptual framework is a bit like a recipe or a blueprint. It provides an outline of how the
researcher plan to conduct the research for, but it goes further than that by also positioning your
work within the larger field of research.

2.1 Conceptual framework an assessment of the working condition of flower farm workers
Source Adapted from the above literature (constructed by author, 2018

CHAPTER THREE
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter will focus on the research method that will be apply in this study which includes
the study design, study population, sources of data ,sampling frame, sample size, sampling
technique, tools of data collection, data collection procedure, variable in the study, data analysis
method, pilot testing and ethical consideration.

3.1 Study area

Holeta, the study area one of the small towns located in the oromiya special zone surrounding
Addis Ababa of the Oromiya region. Sebeta have many cut flower farms from other town of
Oromiya region and it covers 503 hectares by floriculture industry. Geographically, the area is
situated at latitude and longitude of 9°3′N 38°30′E and an altitude of 2391 meters above sea
level, which is appropriate for the flower production. The town economy is mainly based on
agriculture but the industry (like floriculture) is growing.

In Holeta town in average twenty active cut flower industry, this industry created job opportunity
the majority are unskilled women. The study show three flower farm industry found under the
Holota Oromiya special zone .The three farms selected based on many unskilled women workers
found

3.2 Research Design

Descriptive type of study will be employee because descriptive analysis method will be
appropriate to describe, explore and attempts systematically a situation, problem Phenomena,
service or program, or attitudes towards an issue.

3.3 Research Approaches

Research design refers to how the researcher puts a research study together to answer a set of
questions. It works as a systematic plan outlining the study, the researchers’ methods of
completion, detail on how the study would arrive at its conclusions and the limitations of the
research (McLaughlin, 2012). The study adopted a descriptive design. This design allows for the
gathering of information, summarize, present and interpret it for the purpose of clarification. This
is one of the best methods for conducting research in human contexts because of portraying
accurate facts through data collection for answering questions to conclude the study.
The descriptive research design incorporates both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Borland
(2001) asserts that the differences between quantitative and qualitative research are not
exclusive. He argues that using both paradigms in a study yields important result. This indicates
that researches can combine the two methods for better results. In other words, a researcher using
quantitative approach to examine a problem is not limited to take no notice of any qualitative
data collected in the process.

3.4 Sample Design

The sample size and sampling design will be determined in the process of selecting samples.
First the researcher will determine the target population; then determine the sample frame, and
finally will select the representative sample.
3.4.1 Study Population
The target population for this study will be employees in Holota cut flower farm production. In
this town the selected flower farm included 459 permanent and 266 contract women employees.

3.4.2 Sampling Frame

The sampling frame of this study will be the complete list of all employees from which each
sampling unit will be selected. Therefore, the sampling frames for this study will the list of
employees and leaders that will be working in the town administration.

3.4.3 Sample Size

The target population for this study will be all 725 employees working in the town. To determine
the sample size, different formula will be used, however considering the level of margins of error
5% and 95% level of confidence, the following formula will be apply.

Where, N= the target population

e = sampling error estimated (0.05)

n = total sample size

Therefore n = = = =258

So, the sample size for this study is 258. This sample size will select from each three farm
through stratified sampling technique to keep proportionate to ensure equal representation of
each farm in the town considering participation of female. Samples selected by stratified
sampling, will also be selected by systematic random sampling. In addition to this, the researcher
purposively select two managers from each sector randomly who will be interviewed, in order to
verify the information which is taken from the employee by the questionnaire, interview and
focus group discussion.

Table: - 3.1 summary of sampling and data gathering techniques

No. Target population Total Sample Data gathering Sampling Research

size techniques techniques approach
Population

1 Employee 225 225 Questionnaire Simple Mixed

 random approach
sampling

2 CEO of the 3 3 Interview Purposive Qualitative

organization

3 Middle 3 3 Interview Purposive Qualitative

managements

4 Junior 3 3 Interview Purposive Qualitative

managements

5 Focus Group 24 24 Interview Purposive Qualitative

discussion

6 Total Number 258 258

3.5 Sampling Techniques

Basically for this study, probability and non-probability sampling techniques will be apply
because the researcher will believe that using both methods has advantage in managing
limitations that may occur in using either of both methods. From Probability sampling technique
the researcher will use stratified sampling technique and systematic random sampling and from
non-probability sampling purposive sampling technique will be apply. For quantitative data
collection the researcher will use questionnaire while qualitative data collection 9 key informant
(for each sector three respondent) will select for interview by purposive sampling technique and
24 focus group (for each sector eight respondent) discussion will also apply.

• Sources of Data

3.6.1 Data Source

In order to examine the proposed theories and address the research problem in a more scientific
manner, the study will use both primary and secondary source of data.
3.6.2 Primary Source of Data

It is data collection techniques where information is gathered directly from the field. This kind
of data is generally concrete as the researcher mostly observes it. In this case, the primary data
collection will be based on questioner, depth interviews and observation method.

3.6.3 Secondary Source Of Data

The secondary data will be collected from published and unpublished literatures as well as from
other sources such as books, reference books, articles, journals, government policies documents,
internet website, and statistical information and research products conducted on similar issues.

• Tools of Data Collection

To get reliable and valid data, the researcher will use a combination of questionnaire (both open
ended and close-ended), interview (Both Structured interviews-maintain some control over the
respondents and Unstructured interview -questions) and focus group discussion.

3.8 Data Analysis

Data will be collected through identified method of data collection instruments from the sample
of the desired population. Qualities of the collected data are checked by the researcher, and then
quantitative data gathered trough questionnaire and qualitative data gathered trough interview are
analyzed. Quantitative data is summarized and coded to ensure that they are in a suitable form to
address the research questions and suit statistical data analysis procedures. It is analyzed based
on descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) through the means of
frequency count and percentages by displaying in tables and graphs to check the differences of
the ratings of responses. Qualitative data is analyzed by summarizing the responses of interview
in relation to the research questions and the questionnaire.

3.9 Ethical consideration

The interview is conducted by letting the participants to have information about the purpose of
the study and the type of information needed from them. The interview was carried out after
consent from the interviewees and at a place of their choice. In the case of primary data
collection, different management positioned employees of the company were participated.
Through this process the researcher let the participants to know the purpose of the research and
those who participated will be according to their willingness. The questionnaire that will be
provided to the Respondents has general information about the purpose of the study. In addition
to that it indicates that the respondents need not mention their name in the questionnaire and it
eensures Confidentiality. The distribution and collection of questionnaire will be made using
sealed envelope. This will lead the respondent to provide their view without any fear and
discomfort.

Time Schedule
This study will be completed in 6 months .The schedule will be as shown below.
No Activity November December January February march April

Stage one-topic identification

1 Read different •
materials to identify
research problem
2 Select and approve the •
 topic
3 Finalizing the •
introduction
Stage two-writing literature review
4 Identifying 10-15 • •
materials for related
literature
5 Reviewing the related •
literature
6 Finalizing literature •
Stage three-methodology preparation
7 Finalizing methodology •
8 Preparing data •
collecting instruments
and
9 Revising instruments •
10 Finalizing instruments •
for pilot test
Stage four-data collection
11 Collecting the data • •
from samples
Stage five-data analysis and interpretation
12 Coding data and •
computer entry
13 Discussion and • •
analyzing data
14 data interpretation • •
Stage six-concluding the thesis
15 Writing the first draft • •
16 Complete and submit •
the thesis
Budget schedule

The researchers will follow the following budget break down

No Items required Price in birr

1 Transport 2,500

2 Stationeries :- duplication paper, writers, flash, disc, 2,000

photocopy, pen and Pencil

3 Tea and coffee for researchers during filled 3,000

Respondent incentive 6,360

4 Report Binding 400

5 Contingency 2000

Grand total 16,260