Gender analysis of agricultural financing in cocoa-based farming system in Oyo and Osun States of South Western Nigeria

Abstract

This paper aimed to study the gender differentials in agricultural financing in cocoa-based farming systems in Southwestern Nigeria. A multi stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 cocoa farmers for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. The results revealed that cooperative societies are dominant sources of finance for both male and female cocoa farmers. The findings also revealed that male cocoa farmers have more sources of finance than their female counterparts in the study area. The determinant of access to finance for both male and female cocoa farmers was age; specific to male cocoa farmers were average income, household size and membership in cooperative societies while level of education and possession of collateral were specific to female cocoa famers. It was concluded that policy strategies aimed at improving access to finance must consider education and ownership of certain resources among female cocoa farmers and formation of cooperative societies among male cocoa farmers.