Differentials in sustainable land management practices between male and female crop farmers in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed differentials in the utilization of sustainable land management (SLM) practices by male and female crop farmers in Southeast Nigeria. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used in selecting the study sample made up of 160 male and 160 female farmers. Mean, frequency, percentage, and logit analysis were employed in analysing the data collected from field survey. Result showed that the rate of adoption of SLM practices among the respondents was low (26%) on the average. Participation in critical family decisions (z–prob=0.021), access to formal credit (z–prob=0.000), access to and control of capital assets (z–prob=0.001) and participation in taking communal decisions and leadership (z– prob=0.057), were found relevant in dichotomizing the utilization of SLM practices based on gender. The study recommended that policies targeted at sustainable management of land resources by male and female farmers should take into cognizance the above-mentioned variables with a view to addressing them through affirmative action. Agricultural policy interventions should also be based on empirical evidence from gender-disaggregated data to ensure proper mainstreaming of gender-related issues in agricultural production.