Topic: THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN OVIA SOUTHWEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The study focused on the role of women in agricultural production in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State. Systematic sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to sample 382 respondents in the study area. Data were collected using questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as major research instruments. Descriptive statistical technique was employed to summarize the data and multiple regression was used to measure the degree of relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of women in agriculture and its influence on their roles in agricultural production. The study found that women in Ovia South-West LGA contribute their quota to economic development, household income and food security as revealed by 100% of the respondents. Also, it was revealed by the respondents that lack of awareness on new technologies (47.9%), land holding (67%) and financial constraints (87%) militate against the positive contribution of women farmers to nation building accordingly. Variables such as age (0.005), income (0.000), types of agricultural activities (0.000) and family size (0.002) were shown to positively influence the role women play in agricultural production as confirmed by the regression analysis which were significant at 5% level of significance. However, the Chi-square technique revealed that in harvesting/processing p-values of marital status (0.043), years of farming experience (0.002) andincome (0.044) are identified. Also, in marketing/distribution, p-value of age (.000), Educational attainment (.016), years of agricultural experience (.000) and income (.000)are revealed. In weeding p-values of age (.000), marital status (.012), educational attainment (.000), years of agricultural experience (.000) and income (.000) are also revealed. And lastly, in planting the p-values of marital status (.057), educational attainment (.002), years of agricultural experience (.000) and income (.000) were significant at 0.05 alpha level of significant. The study recommends that empowerment of rural women farmers should be prioritized through provision of special agricultural credits and subsidization of farm inputs to optimize their invaluable role in food security, and women farmers should be provided access to financial assistance for their farming activities through formation of cooperative society.The study concludes that women play important roles in ensuring food security. They act as shock absorbers, grow crops, keep animals and spend time to keep the family economic boat afloat. They are into seed sowing, weeding, harvesting, processing, storage, marketing of food produce for the health of the family and the community at large.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Regardless of the level of development achieved by different economies, (Daman, 2003) women play a pivotal role in agriculture and in rural development in many countries of the world. The role of women in many societies however, are bound by age-old traditions and beliefs, patriarchal practices motivated by culture, interpretations of religious sanctions which hinder women‘s freedom to play key roles and assert their right to social and economic development. It was observed that women‘s contribution to agriculture and other sectors in the economy remain concealed and unaccounted for in measuring economic development. Consequently, they are generally neglected in plans and programs. They were, in fact discriminated against by stereotypes which restricted them to a reproductive role, and denied them access to resources which could eventually enhance their social and economic contribution to the society (Daman, 2003).

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to assess the roles of women in agricultural production in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. However, the specific objectives are to:- i. Characterize women farmers according to their socio-economic backgrounds. ii. Examine the factors that influence/determine women farmers participation in agricultural production. iii. Examine the specific roles women play in agricultural production in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area.

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