Constraints to rural women farmers’ involvement in livelihood activities in Delta and Edo States of Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed constraints to rural women’s livelihood activities in Delta and Edo states Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 278 rural women farmers. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, analyzed using descriptive statistical tool and Friedman test. Results revealed that the average age of respondents was 40.8years. Most of the respondents are married (70.14%), educated (74.46%), experienced (9 years), and with an average household size of 5 persons. Both activities (Farming and Non-farming) (43.88%) were found to be the major livelihood activities of the rural women. Several constraints were found to be faced by rural women in the pursuance of their different enterprise activities in the area, regardless of whatever activities they are into, they appear to be faced with certain constraints which affected their enterprise activities. Freidman’s test revealed a significant difference existed in the seriousness of the constraints faced by the respondents in their activities. It is recommended that Government should improve rural infrastructures like good road network, rural electrification, potable water, telecommunication service, and affordable healthcare system since they are important for enhancing economic activities. Government should initiate policy for reducing risk and uncertainties inherent in agricultural activities in order to encourage farmers to remain in the business of farming, creating a financial credit pool for women using the Welfare Departments of local government councils, and organizing women farmers into functional women cooperatives for easy access to loans and farm input.