Changes in gender division of tasks in palm oil processing in delta north agricultural zone of delta state, Nigeria

Changes in gender division of tasks in palm oil processing in Delta North Agricultural Zone were examined. An overall of 6 rural communities were selected using multi stage sampling procedure.150 processors were purposively selected. Data were collected by the use of focus group discussion, structured questionnaires and interview schedule and were analysed with the application of frequency counts and percentages, mean derived from a 4 point likert type scale and T-test. The result revealed a mean respondents age of 43 years and were mostly married (52.80%), about 60.70% were female while 39.3% were male, majority had secondary education (48.0%), with a mean household size of 5 person and mean processing experience of 7 years, with a average monthly income of N54,310. Economic opportunities in processing (mean=3.73) was identified to be the biggest drive for changes in the roles men and women play, and the challenge of accessing land and necessary resources was discovered to be the major constraint to women in palm oil processing. The t-test result revealed there was a significant difference (T= 16.12) between the gender related tasks for men from 2010-2017 and in 2018 till date and there was a significant difference (T=-16.41) between the gender related tasks for women from 2010-2017 and in 2018 till date. The study recommends that government, through agricultural institutions should facilitate the transfer of appropriate technologies that are affordable and easy to use for women, and government should implement policies that ensure women have equal rights to own and access land.