Scaling up economic opportunities: Gender profitability differentials in Broiler marketing in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

With the increasing rate of unemployment in Nigeria, many people are turning to agriculture for better economic opportunities. The study examined broiler marketing and profit differentials between male and female broiler farmers and factors that influence profits along gender lines in Abia state, Nigeria. Given the paucity of secondary data, primary data was sourced from 120 respondents (60 males and 60 female) with the aid of a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, gross margin ratio, z-statistic and multiple regressions analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed that poultry farming is a lucrative business for both genders as shown by the benefit-cost ratio N, 255.05 for male and N225.64 for female producers. The profit differentials should a N359,314.08 significant difference in profit between male and female farmers. This difference arises from both social and economic exigencies that challenge most female entrepreneurs. It affects their economic participation in opportunities that improve inclusive growth and transform the local economy. The profit potential of this business can be leveraged to increase investment and transform the local economy for sustainable opportunities for Nigeria teeming youth.