Challenges and Prospects of Rural Women in Agricultural Production in Nigeria

Abstract

Women plays significant role in agricultural production, their contribution is as high as between 60 to 90 percent of the total task performed. This study focused on the prospects and challenges of rural women in agricultural production. It highlights the efforts of women in crop, livestock, fishery production, food processing/storage and marketing. Inadequate technology, poor extension services, inadequate land, lack of access to credit facilities, cultural/religious restrictions, poor health, lack of adequate infrastructure, access to education and training influenced active  involvement of women in agricultural production. Women’s interest in agricultural production results in an increased crop, livestock, fisheries production, food security and nutrition. The study, therefore recommends that women should be educated and trained, they should have adequate access to productive resources and government support in order to increase agricultural productivity.

Keywords: Challenges, Prospects, Rural women, Agriculture, production.