Gender gaps and female labour participation in agriculture in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold: to assess the gender gaps and the patterns of female workforce in agriculture; to examine the level of household decision making among the principal males and females in the household; and to estimate the time spent by the principal males and females in the household by activities in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study made use of secondary data obtained from various sources such as published articles, research reports, unpublished discussion paper, policy documents, national and international databases (World Bank World Development Indicators, United Nations Development Programme and the ECOWAS-RAAF-PASANAO survey conducted in Nigeria in 2017), and position papers. The information gathered covers a range of empirical and conceptual issues relating to labour, share of women contributing to agriculture and other gender-related issues. The study covered 1,747 maize and/or rice producing households spread across 141 farming communities in 16 states in Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling technique. Findings It was interesting to note that an average male was older and had more educational qualification than their female counterparts. In the same vein, he owned more assets (virgin lands, other plots and buildings) when compared with their female counterparts and earned higher incomes from farming and other labour activities with the exception of trading. Furthermore, the result revealed females spent more time taking care of children, cooking and schooling than their male counterparts. It can therefore be concluded that a gender gap exists in agricultural labour participation with the males playing dominant roles as compared with their female counterparts. Analysis of women’s agricultural should not neglect the structural bases of their inequality. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by lack of enough data base on women’s and men’s engagement in labour force and on agricultural activities which can be analysed for policy formulation and implementation. Social implications The paper elucidates some of the possible social, economic and biological implications of changes in women’s work and their participation in agriculture in Nigeria. Originality/value The paper is original in nature and will add value to the integration of women into the development process in Nigeria.

Income inequality and distribution patterns in the cassava value chain in the Oyo State, Nigeria: a gender perspective

“…In addition, men are less burdened by reproductive and domestic roles compared to women (Quisumbing et al, 2021;Obayelu et al, 2019). Consequently, they have higher labour productivity than women (Obayelu et al, 2019). Gini coefficients for men and women are 0.541 and 0.537, respectively.…”

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Women empowerment and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Nigeria

“…Specifically, women are constrained in terms of access to land (Murugani and Thamaga-Chitja, 2019; Massay, 2019), access to credit and other financial assets (Brixiová et al , 2020; Ali and Awade, 2019), education (Khoza et al , 2019), extension services (Rola-Rubzen et al , 2020; Huyer, 2016) as well as other social perceptions about their perceived lack of suitability as farmers (Rola-Rubzen et al , 2020). Obayelu, Ogbe and Edewor (2020) also establish that female farmers' agricultural productivity is negatively affected (up to 25% compared to male counterparts) by this disparity in productive assets. Furthermore, they are also more vulnerable to the loss of these assets and rights due to separation, divorce or widowhood (Doss, 2018; Peterman et al , 2010; Fletschner, 2008).…”

“Living by Others”: Work Performance and Basic Need Fulfillment Among Women Farmworkers

“…The division of work performed by men and women is also found in the agricultural sector. The potential that women have in carrying out work and taking leadership is considered one of the men's concerns in facing the work sector in the future since women can complete their obligations as workers even though they experience injustice in the form of discrimination and certain stereotypes (Obayelu, Ogbe, & Edewor, 2020;Rossier & Wyss, 2007;Shortall, 2002). As a control to manage this concern, women are given a minimum wage and jobs with a working system and long working hours by the patron as the owner of the land.…”