Comparative analysis of women’s contribution to food crop production in Kogi state, Nigeria

Abstract

Women in Nigeria form a significant part of the population and are practically involved in agricultural activities. Based on the involvement of women in agriculture and in the rural economies of Nigeria, this study evaluates the contribution of women to food crop production. This is to establish knowledge about what farm inputs these women use in agriculture and how they combine these resources available to them in food production process as regards their efficiency. Four-staged sampling was conducted to survey a sample of 120 farmers (men and women) with the aid of an interview schedule. The data collected were for the 2009/2010 cropping season and analyzed with descriptive tools and stochastic production frontier. The result established that a high level of technical inefficiency exists among the sampled farmers. Age, household size and sex were found to be significant (p < 0.05) determinants of technical inefficiency that exists between the sampled farmers. To achieve efficiency in production among women farmers, it was recommended that inputs required, especially land, modern farm implement, accessible capital and extension services should be made available. The women should also be taught the better use of farm inputs to achieve efficiency in food crop production.

Keywords: Food Production, Women, Agriculture, Kogi State, Efficiency