Gender roles and impacts of oil palm commercialisation on intra-household dynamics in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed gender roles and intra-house hold impacts of oil palm commercialization on rural households in lmo state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 96 respondents through interview schedule with the aid of questionnaire and analysed using frequency distribution tables and percentages. Findings revealed that women were more highly involved in oil palm commercialization process than men. The impacts of commercialization on gender relations showed that the economic and social benefits accrue more to men than women and children. It resulted to increased income, improved household food and nutrition security, increased purchasing power, enhanced decision making and education among others, on different household members. The economic and social costs of oil palm commercialization led to loss in human capital such as less time for social activities, less time for child care, decreased leisure time. Factors perceived as constraints to commercialization of oil palm products were lack of capital, poor transport, storage and marketing facilities, insufficient labour, tedious nature of traditional processing method, poor standard measurement for the products, etc. It is recommended among others that research should develop appropriate technology for oil palm processing, government should provide working capital to farmers to help them build their capital base, etc. some implications for the agricultural extension agency were also noted.

Keywords: gender roles, oil palm commercialisation, intra-household dynamics

Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 9(2) 2004: 14-24