Gender Role in Decision-making among Maize Farmers in Isaga-Orile Community of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined gender roles in decision making among maize farmers in Isaga Orile farming community of Ogun State. Data were collected through interview schedule from 60 male and 30 female farmers selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were analysed with the use of frequency counts, percentage, Chi-square, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The result showed that 42.2% of the respondents were between the age range of 41 – 50 years, 87.8% were married, 77.8% and 22.2% were male and female respectively and 50% of the respondents had secondary school education. Considering gender role in decision making, the result showed that 87.8% of male farmers determined the utilization of returns accrued from sales of maize as against a joint decision made by 12.2% of male and female farmers. The results further showed that 84.4% of male farmers determined what to plant and when to plant. The major constraints encountered by the respondents in maize production were inadequate farm machinery to hire (98.9%), pest and disease outbreak (91.1%), and limited access to improved seeds (85.6%). There existed significant relationship (p<0.05) between land preparation (r=0.333), drying (r= 0.304), and value addition (r=-0.319), and maize production. ><0.05) between land preparation (r=0.333), drying (r= 0.304), and value addition (r=-0.319), and maize production. It is therefore recommended that efforts should be made to improve maize farmers’ accessibility to improve maize seed, pesticide, and chemical for disease control and farm machinery for hire.