Gender gaps in agro-based income generating enterprises among rural households in Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Men and women both make substantial contributions in agro-based income generating enterprises to augment their household income. This study analysed participation rate in on-farm and off-farm activities on a gender basis in Ogun state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, ascertained the level of participation of male and females in agro-based income-generating enterprises; examined factors influencing participation in agro-based income-generating enterprises and identified the constraints to participation in agro-based income generating enterprises between the genders. A three-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 132 respondents (87 males, 45 females) Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Regression and T-test) Results showed farm size of the male was 2.7 hectares with a mean monthly income of N40,000 while the females had 1.6 hectares and N49,4000. Males and females recorded high-levels of participation in agro-based activities with a high mean score of 2.67 and 2.68 respectively. Lack of education and training was a major constraint among male respondents (MS=4.38) while discrimination based on gender, (MS=4.04) constrained the females. The result revealed that years of education (t = 0.822, P<.05) and years of experience in the agro-based enterprise (t = -0.027, P<0.05) had positively significant the study concluded by determining the level of participation and factors that influence participation in based agro-based income generating activities lds. It is thus recommended that policies fostering participation in agro-based enterprises with improved access to land and resources, regardless of gender, be inclusive.