GENDER PARTICIPATION IN CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE: A STUDY OF FOOD SECURITY OUTCOMES IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined gender participation in climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices and its implications for food security in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with 220 farmers, focusing on understanding the participation rates of male and female farmers in various CRA practices, the constraints they faced, and the factors that influenced food security outcomes. Descriptive statistics (Frequencies, percentages and mean) and inferential statistics (Binary Logistic Regression) were used to analyze the data. Results show that male farmers had higher participation rates in most CRA practices, including the cultivation of drought-resistant crops and agroforestry, with an average participation rate of 59% for the male and 54% for the female. The study also identified several constraints that hindered participation, with female farmers facing more significant challenges than their male counterparts. These challenges included land ownership, access to credit, cultural restrictions, and domestic workload. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as gender, access to CRA inputs, extension contact, land ownership, education level, household size, access to credit, and experience with climate shocks significantly influenced food security. Male-headed households, households with access to CRA inputs, and those with regular extension contact were more likely to be food secure. The study concludes that gender disparities in participation in climate-resilient agriculture practices contributed to unequal food security outcomes. Although both male and female farmers participate in CRA practices, the female farmers faced more barriers that limited their full participation and ability to enhance their food security. It is essential to recognize the role of female farmers in agricultural decision-making processes because they play crucial role in household food security and to address the socio-economic factors that limit women’s access to resources. Recommendations included the need for targeted interventions that will reduce the gender gap in CRA practices by providing women with better access to land, credit, and extension services. Empowering female farmers through training, promoting gender-inclusive policies in agricultural development, and improving women farmer’s access to climate-resilient agricultural inputs are critical steps.