In this paper, we have examined the motivation policies that are currently being implemented by management in human resource development for young female employees in agricultural corporations and considered the effectiveness and issues of these policies from the perspective of employees. Three characteristics of policies for motivating young female employees were identified: first, presenting long-term career paths; second, creating means for consulting with other female employees of the same generation; and third, allowing women to engage in the areas and kinds of work of their own choosing. In addition, the motivation of female employees is maintained and improved when products are highly regarded by consumers, and when women are given responsibility for tasks without regard for their gender. The need to present women with a variety of career paths was identified as an issue in employing women.

The purpose of this paper is to examine through a field survey the actual conditions and challenges of rural women engaged in rice parboiling in Burkina Faso. The paper shows the traditional gender relations and the important role that women play in regional economy and in raising their livelihood through the rice parboiling activity. Furthermore, the paper points out the important problems that women face in future development. It also shows the importance of women’s livelihood improvement strategy utilizing their own knowledge, especially the processing technology, which represents an effective mean for rural development in the future. The paper finally reveals that it is indispensable to raise the awareness of rural women on the product quality and marketing for further development of rice parboiling.