Economic Analysis on Irrigated Rice Production by Women in Edo State
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Economic Analysis on Irrigated Rice Production by Women in Edo State
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Rice cultivation is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to both food security and economic stability. Rice growing in Edo State, like in other parts of the country, not only provides food but also supports the livelihoods of many households.
Men have traditionally dominated agriculture in Nigeria, particularly rice production. However, current developments show that women are increasingly participating in a variety of agricultural activities, particularly irrigated rice farming.
Background Study
Women’s participation in agriculture has evolved significantly, affected by economic imperatives, evolving home dynamics, and changing societal roles. Women in Edo State, like those in other agricultural regions of Nigeria, make significant contributions to irrigated rice production.
This transition has repercussions for household income, food security, and the overall socioeconomic environment. Understanding the unique responsibilities and economic contributions of women in irrigated rice production is critical for developing informed policies and interventions that support long-term agricultural growth and gender equality.
Women’s participation in agriculture, notably in Edo State, demonstrates their resilience and critical role in the rural economy (Terwase and Madu, 2022).
Women have traditionally been marginalised in formal agricultural sectors, but they have increasingly taken on major roles in rice farming due to economic need and the need to improve household food security (Kandeel et al., 2023).
Their engagement extends across all stages of rice production, from land preparation to harvesting, demonstrating competence and dedication (Familusi & Oranu, 2020).
Women’s participation in irrigated rice cultivation contributes significantly to household income diversification in Edo State, as it does throughout Nigeria (Obianefo et al., 2021).Women not only increase agricultural output but also reduce household economic vulnerabilities by participating in traditionally male-dominated agricultural activities such as land preparation and planting (Kathiresan et al., 2020). This economic empowerment is critical for improving livelihoods and lowering poverty rates in rural communities (Chandio et al. 2019).
According to research, women’s involvement in rice production extends beyond work; they frequently make critical decisions affecting farm management and productivity (Rao et al., 2023). These decisions are influenced by their knowledge of local agricultural methods and their involvement in providing food security for their family (Miassi et al., 2023).
Empirical research demonstrates that providing women with access to resources such as land, loans, and agricultural inputs can considerably improve farm productivity and household food security (Nkwabi et al., 2021).
Policies aiming at increasing women’s agricultural engagement can have a significant impact on sustainable development and gender equality (Omiunu, 2022). Policymakers can promote inclusive growth and economic resilience in rural areas by recognising and empowering women in irrigated rice production (Onuche & Oladipo, 2020).
This recognition is crucial not just for ensuring food security, but also for fostering overall socioeconomic growth in Edo State and beyond (Gujarati, 2022).
Furthermore, women’s participation in agriculture is linked to larger challenges of rural development and poverty alleviation (Kazeem, 2020). According to studies, empowering women economically through agriculture can lead to improved nutrition outcomes and family health (Shahbandeh, 2023). This empowerment has multiple benefits, including greater self-esteem and community leadership (Obih & Baiyegunhi, 2023).
In conclusion, the involvement of women in irrigated rice production in Edo State demonstrates their critical contribution to agricultural productivity and rural development (Ogunleke and Baiyegunhi, 2019). Their engagement increases household income, improves food security, and promotes environmentally friendly agricultural techniques (Ojo et al., 2020).
Moving forward, policymakers must encourage women’s access to resources, decision-making responsibilities, and agricultural technical breakthroughs (Olukosi & Erhabor, 2023). By doing so, Edo State may fully realise the potential of its agricultural industry, resulting in inclusive growth and gender equality.
Statement of the Problem
In the context of women’s participation in irrigated rice production in Edo State, Nigeria, there are numerous major gaps in the available study literature that require further exploration.
While existing studies recognise women’s significant contributions to agricultural activities, including rice farming (Familusi & Oranu, 2020), more research is needed into the specific challenges and constraints these women face in accessing and effectively utilising agricultural resources (Chandio et al., 2019).
One major gap is a lack of awareness of the socioeconomic factors that influence women’s decision-making authority in rice farming households (Rao et al., 2023). Although women play critical roles in all stages of rice production, from planting to post-harvest activities, their access to and control over productive resources including land, credit, and contemporary agricultural technologies is understudied (Miassi et al., 2023).
This gap impedes efforts to develop tailored interventions that could boost women’s agricultural productivity and economic empowerment (Nkwabi et al., 2021).
Furthermore, while some studies highlight the economic benefits of women’s participation in agriculture, there is little study on how these activities affect household food security and nutritional outcomes (Omiunu, 2022).
Understanding how women’s roles in irrigated rice production affect overall nutritional well-being and health outcomes in their homes is critical for establishing comprehensive strategies that address both food security and gender equality problems (Onuche & Oladipo, 2020).
Finally, the intersectional barriers that women from marginalised communities, especially Indigenous and low-income groups, confront while accessing agricultural resources and support systems have received little attention in the literature (Gujarati, 2022).
Exploring these intersectional dynamics is critical to ensuring that agricultural development policies and initiatives are inclusive and equitable, reaching all female farmers in Edo State (Kazeem, 2020).
Addressing these gaps through empirical study would result in a more thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities that women encounter in irrigated rice cultivation.
It will also help to generate evidence-based policy recommendations for improving long-term agricultural development and gender equality in rural Nigeria (Shahbandeh, 2023).
Objectives of Study
The study’s particular aims include:
To determine the economic contributions of women involved in irrigated rice farming in Edo State.
To investigate the elements influencing women’s decision to work in irrigated rice cultivation.
To assess the socioeconomic impact of women’s participation in irrigated rice cultivation on household welfare in Edo State.
Justification for Study
This study is prompted by the important need to fill a large deficit in empirical research on the economic responsibilities of women in irrigated rice cultivation, particularly in Edo State. While current literature recognises women’s broad contributions to agriculture, there is a notable paucity of thorough study focused solely on their responsibilities in rice growing.
As a result, this study aims to fill this vacuum by undertaking a thorough analysis of how women contribute to agricultural productivity and household welfare through their participation in irrigated rice production.
The primary goal of this research is to provide thorough insights into the complex economic responsibilities that women play in the rice farming sector of Edo State. The study intends to emphasise the special challenges and opportunities that women confront in this setting by investigating aspects such as their engagement in farm management, decision-making processes, and access to agricultural resources like as land and financing.
This approach is critical for gaining a better knowledge of the socioeconomic factors that influence women’s participation and effect in agricultural contexts.
Furthermore, the study’s findings are predicted to have important consequences for policy and intervention initiatives. By shedding light on women’s economic contributions to irrigated rice production, the study will help to guide evidence-based policies aimed at improving gender equality, boosting women’s economic empowerment, and fostering sustainable agricultural development in rural Edo.
These insights might help policymakers build focused initiatives that address the specific needs and problems that women farmers encounter, allowing them to participate and lead more fully in agricultural activities.
Finally, this study attempts to contribute substantively to the current body of information on gender and agriculture by conducting a systematic and rigorous empirical investigation.
By filling this research gap, the study aims to promote inclusive agricultural policies that recognise and support women’s critical role in increasing agricultural production and rural development in Nigeria.
Hypotheses for Study
Based on the aims and study questions, the following hypotheses were developed:
Women’s engagement in irrigated rice cultivation has no substantial impact on household income in Edo State.
Socioeconomic factors such as resource availability and market prospects have no influence on women’s decision to engage in irrigated rice farming.
There is no link between women’s participation in irrigated rice cultivation and household food security in Edo State.
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