Analysis of Gender Issues in Access to Land among Farmers in Karu Local Government Area of Nassarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gender issues in access to land among farmers in Karu L.G.A of Nassarawa State, Nigeria was investigated. Random sampling procedures were used. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 100 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logit regression model. Findings showed that some socio-economic characteristics have significant effect on the access to land, these includes; sex, occupation, farm size, annual income and level of education. gender has a positive significant effect with a coefficient of 0.03064 at 5% significant level of probability. Annual income and educational level of the respondents had a significant effect on the access to land with coefficient of 0.0468 and 0.1426 at 1% level of probability. The majority of the respondents (92.00%) indicated that price of land was the major actor limiting access to farm land in the study area. Other factors indicated were; Local customs (78.00%), farming experience (69.00%), communal land tenure system (63.00%), lack of resource to cultivate farm lands (59.00%), and access to credit (52.00%). 79.00% of the respondent disagreed that men and women have equal right to land ownership it was also indicated by majority (81.00%) of the respondents that men have more access to farm land than women. It was recommended that the women farmers should be encouraged to access credit facilities from government agencies. This will help them to increase production, through acquiring sizeable acreage of land. Also, Local customs that’s are not favourable to the women in accessing land for farming operations should be abolished so as to have equal right with their male counterparts