EMPOWERING WOMEN IN CASSAVA VALUE CHAINS: BARRIERS AND PATHWAYS TO INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Women, Agriculture, Gender Equity, Cassava Value Chain and Productivity DriversAbstract
This study evaluated gender dynamics within cassava value chains in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 150 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that women made up 58.7% of the workforce and dominate labor-intensive tasks such as planting, weeding, and post-harvest processing. Despite their central role, only 48% of/ women own farmland and 55.3% lack access to credit, limiting their capacity to scale production. Prior studies have described women’s participation but failed to quantify its impact or explore the institutional and cultural constraints that reinforce gender disparities. Chi-square analysis (X² = 165.04, p < 0.05) confirmed significant gender-task segmentation, with men leading land preparation and women concentrated in post-harvest roles. Regression results showed that female-led farms achieved higher yields (β = +0.82, p = 0.03), especially when supported by training (β = +1.10, p = 0.001), improved varieties (β = +0.95, p = 0.005), and education (β = +0.35, p = 0.016). These findings therefore, highlight the urgent need for gender-responsive policies that strengthen women’s access to land, credit, training, and leadership key drivers of equitable and productive agricultural development. Inclusive interventions that expand women’s access to resources, education, and institutional support are essential for advancing gender equity and accelerating agricultural development in Nigeria.
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