ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN YAM PRODUCTION IN PAIKORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The contribution of men in Agricultural activities is majorly recognized unlike the efforts of women. This study examined the effect of women’s participation in yam production in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling techniques was adopted and a proportionate selection of 20% of registered women farmers were selected making a total of 121 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used alongside oral interview to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistical tools (percentage, frequency and a 3-point Likert scale) and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were used to analyze the data collected. The result showed that more of the respondents aged between of 31and 40 and that increase in income is the most benefit derived from participation in yam production. Also, the result showed that participation in majority of the farm level operations was high with the exception of ridging, fertilizer application and pesticide application. Results from OLS regression showed that distance to farm is negatively significant while household size, farm size and income were positively significant at 0.01 level of significance. Despite the level of involvement of women in yam production, inadequate farm inputs (96.7%), inadequate capital (95.0%) and land acquisition problem. Forming associations in order to pull resources and gains access to loan is recommended. Introduction of adult education, extension training and follow up programs are also recommended. Formation of land acquisition polices in favor of women by Government can go a long way in solving the problem of land acquisition in the study area