POTENTIALS AND CONSTRAINTS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN FARMING IN A PREDOMINANTLY MUSLIM COMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although the contributions of women to farming are acknowledged elsewhere, they have not been considered as important source of farm labour in Muslim areas of northern Nigeria, presumably because of the practice of "Kulle" or seclusion of married women). This has led to the designing ol agricultural extension strategies, input distribution schemes, credit facilities and training polices, that are primarily directed at men, to the exclusion of women. Using data collected from women famers in the Gusau local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria, this paper demonstrated that women specially those that are fairly old but still able-bodied, participant actively in farming in the rural areas. It was therefore suggested that the " seclusion hypothesis" be revised such that women are treated as vital change agents in planning agricultural development strategies. A number of other constraints to women participation in faming; were also identified and their application for policy, research, and vextension strategies highlighted.