Womens’ participation in agribusiness: Potential for food security and poverty alleviation

Abstract

Strengthening women capacity to participate in agribusiness presents remarkable opportunities for improved food security and reduces poverty. This study examines the factors influencing women’s decision to participate in agribusiness in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Using multi stage random sampling technique, 132 women were selected from three districts in the Local Government Area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the required information. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression model. Results shows that the mean age of the women was 43 years, with 69.17% of them married and a mean household size of 6 persons with an average monthly income of N18,258.33. Result of the probit model analysis indicated that the probability of women’s decision to participate in agribusiness was influenced by age, marital status and membership of cooperative society. The major constraints faced by women’s entrepreneur in the study area were high cost of technologies, inadequate credit facilities, labour intensive venture, inadequate capital and poor returns. Key recommendations of this study include government and other stakeholders should endeavour to provide adequate credit and capital to encourage the women and promote productivity and expansion of their business enterprises.