Women and agriculture in Nigeria

Abstract

This report examines the role of Nigerian women in agriculture, focusing on their involvement in farming, processing, and trading. Based on a survey of 600 women across three regions (west, north, and east), the study highlights that women are crucial to food production and rural economies, though their socio-economic status remains inferior to men. Key findings include the predominance of trading among Yoruba women, farming among Ibo women, and the restrictive influence of the Muslim religion in the north. The report recommends improving women's access to education, credit, and modern agricultural tools, and calls for government policies to enhance women's employment opportunities, incomes, and overall contribution to rural development.