THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE IN OGORI/MAGONGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

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Date
2012-10
Authors
ADEBIJA, STELLA FUNMI
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Abstract
The study focuses on the problems and prospects as they affect the role of women in agricultural production in Ogori/Magongo local government area of Kogi state. Non acknowledgement of the contributions of women to the agricultural processes, the myriad of problems militating against the full achievement of women’s potential in agricultural production and the absence of concrete actions that would encourage women’s participation in agriculture have been issues of great concern at both local and international levels. This study set out to analyse women’s role in agriculture, to identify the problems women face in agriculture, and to explore the future prospects for women in agriculture. Data were collected through researcher-administered questionnaires while in-depth interviews conducted with selected ward farm leaders. The quantitative data were sorted out, coded, edited and analysed using frequencies and percentages, while the qualitative data were transcribed and utilized to support the quantitative data. The findings indicate that, women play a vital role in agricultural production in the area of planting and weeding, harvesting, processing and storage of produce and the keeping of small animals such as goats, chickens and rabbits. Women also contribute to household chores such as preparation and serving of food, fetching of water and firewood. However women have limited access to land, labour, farm inputs, loans and other necessary agricultural support inputs. Consequently, they have resorted to using local manure, local tools, local seedling, while utilizing their traditional agricultural knowledge. It is therefore recommended that there is need for a holistic approach towards addressing the constraints women faced in agriculture in view of their importance to the rural and economic development of the nation.
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ROLE, WOMEN, AGRICULTURE, OGORI/MAGONGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA, PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS
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