Gender Assessment of Watermelon Production among Farmers in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State

Abstract

The study conducted gender assessment of watermelon production among farmers in Ibarapa area of Oyo state. One hundred and thirty-two respondents were randomly selected. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential. The result revealed that 66.4% of the respondents were males, 70% were educated, 69.5% were married and 88.3% fell between ages 30-50 years, 46.9 percent had 6-10 years of experience. 93% male were involved in weeding than their female counterparts. However, more female (81.3%) were involved in carting of watermelon from the farm than males. But accessing credit is a major constraint that limits the production of both male and female (mean = 1.9, 1.8) while radio ranks first amongst the sources of information utilised by both male and female (mean = 1.36, 1.30), water melon farmers. The t-test analysis reveals significant difference between the roles performed by male and female farmers in watermelon production. (t= 7.578, p = 0.000), and between income generated from watermelon by both male and female farmers. (t = 4.448, p = 0.028). Conclusively males are more involved in watermelon production and the tedious activities while females are more involved in harvesting and marketing. It is recommended that the provision of improved technology, low interest rate loans will encourage both men and women's involvement.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Youth Involvement in Horticulture Agribusiness in Tanzania: A Case Study of Njombe Region

“…This finding is supported by the results of the descriptive analysis which shows that male youth experience higher crop losses compared with female youth (Figure 3). This finding is in agreement with [39] in their studies in Oyo State, Nigeria, who reported that there is a significant difference in losses experienced by male and female farmers in watermelon production. The similarities could emanate from the common practice of assigning females to engage in postharvest activities like sorting and grading compared with their male counterparts in rural areas of Africa.…”

Assessment of Decline in Melon Yield and its Contribution to Young Farmers’ Diversification into Watermelon Farming in Oyo State, Nigeria

“…This finding agrees withOdebode (2007) who reported that adult males are engaged in land clearing, planting and weeding, while adult females carried out the seed selection and post-harvest practices in melon production. Many of the respondents (46.70%) had http://dx.doi.org/10.7770/safer-V6N1-art1318…”

Analysing the Scope of Kitchen Gardens in Achieving Dietary Diversity and Food Security in Rural Households for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems

“…Home gardening, in general, refers to the cultivation of a small plot of land that is often located nearby or within walking distance of the family home. Home gardens may be thought of as a mixed cropping system that includes vegetables, fruits, plantation crops, spices, herbs, decorative and medicinal plants, as well as livestock that can be used as an additional source of food and revenue [4].…”

“…The total dietary diversity score (DDS) ranges from 0 to 7. The DDS scores were categorized into three categories including low dietary diversity score (0-2), moderate dietary diversity score (3)(4)(5), and high dietary diversity score of more than 5.…”