GENDER DISPARITY IN LAND AND LAND-RELATED MATTERS OF HOUSEHOLD FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Underperformance in agriculture can be attributed, in part, to constraints faced by female farmers, who are integral resource in the sector. One of such constraints is access to agricultural land. Understanding the disparity in land and land-related matters cannot be overemphasized. This study test for gender disparities for interventions concerning gender equalities and female participation in agriculture. Two-stage sampling technique was used, involving random selection of three Local Government Areas from three ecological zones, followed by simple random selection of males, and purposive selection of female crop, fish and livestock farmers. Primary data were collected using well-structured questionnaire from 380 household farmers, with females 40.5% and male 59.5%. Analytical tools utilized include descriptive and t-test statistics. The findings revealed that the average age of the female and male farmers is 38.3 and 40 respectively; males have more years of formal education (11.6) than females (9.6), as well as years of farming experience, males (18.2) and females (11.4). More lands are owned than rented/borrowed; males have larger landholding (3.6ha) than females (1.3ha). Only 15.3% have land C-of-O, and fewer (14.5%) experienced land dispute. According to t-test analysis, gender disparity was only statistically significant in land size, and the scale of farm operated on land. Other land-related issues such as land dispute, land certification, and land ownership showed no statistically significant disparities. Therefore, the study recommends reducing inequalities in access to land for agriculture, and equitable distribution of other resources that can influence farm scale to improve female participation in farm management.