Basic Factors Influencing Gender Discrimination of Land Ownership in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

This study therefore examines the basic factors influencing gender discrimination of land ownership in selected neighbourhoods of Minna, Niger State. Both the primary and secondary data used in the study. Primary data was collected through interviews and Questionnaires with key stakeholders such as community heads, household head and the adult women. A total of 398 respondents sampled using questionnaire administration. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistical approach and Likert scale were used in determining the factors influencing gender discrimination in land ownership. The results show a high level of gender discrimination of over 60% against women. Considering the aspects of customary land ownership, just 16% of the women have access to land, while over 50% of the men acquire land through inheritance and purchase (65.8%). On decision making, it clearly obvious that over 65% of female child are uncertain to owns land through inheritance. Investigation on causative factors influencing gender discrimination identified five factors: traditional/cultural practice against women (3.73), religious sentiment against women (3.64), high level of illiteracy among women (3.62), perception of women as temporal member of a community (3.57), lack of women representation in decision making (3.51) and poor financial/economic status of women (3.51). The study shows a high impact of 59% of gender discrimination on income of women, while every efforts of government (72%) not encouraging for women to venture into land investment without men support or input. The study concluded by asserting a high degree of derivation and gender discrimination on land ownership in Minna, owning to the fact that just few women get share from land proceeds, in which such classes of women cannot use land for credit facilities for business or investment. The study, therefore recommended the support of government at different level to uphold equity in the area of land allocation and accessibility in favour of women.