Strategies for overcoming economic marginalization among rural women in Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of various gender sensitive campaigns on women's assets and access to resources, the coping strategies utilized and the determinants of use of the coping strategies by rural women in Imo state, Nigeria. A total of 300 randomly sampled rural women in the state provided the data through interview schedules and structured questionnaires. These were analyzed with the aid of simple percentages, frequency tables, means and Ordinary Least Square Multiple Regression Technique at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated that the gender sensitive campaigns brought about improvement in women's access to extension, contribution to decision making and increased the realization that women have potentials. The women among others utilized mixed farming, mixed cropping, engaged in thrifts/Isusu groups and food vending. The women's marital status, income, number of sources of information, education, family size and farming experience were related with the utilization of the coping strategies. It was however recommended that institutional and organizational reforms should be undertaken to accommodate the interest of women as well as enlightenment campaign to sensitize them on alternative coping strategies.

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2(1) 2006: 1-6