Assessment of Existing Gaps among Genders in Maize Value-Chain in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Equitable access to production resources, inputs, and technologies by men, women, and youth is a critical success factor for improved livelihoods of maize farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was conducted to assess the existing gaps among different genders in the maize production value chain in selected northern States of Nigeria. A field survey was conducted in five major maize-producing States of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, and Adamawa. Structured questionnaires were administered to 450 maize farming households across the five selected States using a simple random sampling technique. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were in the study area. The Integrating Gender into Agricultural Value Chains (INGIA-VC) Analytical Framework was employed to develop the tools for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that over 82% of the sampled farm households in each State were male-headed households, whilst only 18% were female-headed households. Male farmers cultivated an average 4.2 ha of farmland compared to 1.8 ha cultivated by female farmers for maize production. Male farmers have more access to other production inputs like fertilizers than female farmers. More female farmers (22%) than male farmers (7.6%) purchase improved seeds directly from seed companies. Maize productivity by male farmers was consistently higher (2–2.5 t ha-1) than female farmers that recorded an average of 0.24 t ha-1 across the States. The lower participation of female farmers in maize production compared to male farmers was attributed to the socio-cultural and religious restrictions placed on females that exclude them from public engagements in northern Nigeria. Awareness creation through the traditional rulers and mechanization of some practices will engender more women and youth participation in maize cultivation.