The Implications of Gender Power Relations on Small Ruminant Producer Rural Female Farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The involvement of rural females in small ruminant production in Nigeria is much higher than in crop production. However, they lack the opportunities and the resources required to make profitable investment in the sector - hence, the livestock sector is generally underperforming in the region. The study investigates the involvement of male and female farmers in small ruminant production and factors affecting the involvement of female farmers. The study adopted mixed methodologies in its inquiry and the relevant gender analysis frameworks. Findings reveal differences in male and females’ involvement in small ruminant production with females handling more of the roles of care. There were existing inequalities between the genders in their access and control over resources and services used for productive purposes, with significant association between females’ access and control over resources and services such as land, equipment and labour, and extension services and credit. Their socio-economic characteristics such flock size, education, marital status and age had significant influence on their control over resources and services. It is concluded that the roles of “care” undertaken by females should not be undermined as it is very significant to improve farm income without which the livestock sector does not profit. Hence, the design of supporting policies could take into account these important factors, while providing specialised training in caring for livestock and the use of technical inputs in scientific feeding, and improved health care and maintenance of hygiene which can significantly increase farm output for livestock growth and development in the state.