Sex-Based Constraints in Accessing Agricultural Resources in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed gender-based constraints in accessing agricultural resources in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 120 respondents. Data were collected from the respondents through interview schedules and analysed using means, and regression analysis. Results revealed that male respondents faced constraints such as lack of collateral (x̄ = 2.62), inadequate finance (x̄ = 2.60), unfavourable government policies (x̄ = 2.80), and lack of access to credit (3.08). Female respondents encountered constraints such as lack of collateral (x̄ = 2.82), land tenure system (x̄ = 3.00), inadequate finance (x̄ = 3.20), discriminatory social norms (x̄ = 3.22), and lack of access to credit (x̄ = 3.14). Males exhibited high accessibility to information (x̄ = 3.52), labour (x̄ = 2.94), land (x̄ = 3.80), agrochemicals (x̄ = 3.36), improved cuttings/seedlings (x̄ = 3.40), and credit (x̄ = 3.80), while females demonstrated high accessibility to information (x̄ = 3.26), labour (x̄ = 4.00), agrochemicals (x̄ = 2.80), and improved cuttings/seedlings (x̄ = 3.28). The study concluded that gender-based discrimination exists in resource access and government, NGOs, and community leaders recommended interventions to address social norms, tenures, and barriers. Therefore, implementing these recommendations is crucial to promoting equal access and control over agricultural resources for both genders.