Gender Analysis of Actors Involved in Production, Processing and Marketing of Sweet Potato in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examined the gender roles of actors involved in sweet potato production, processing and marketing in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was employed to select a total of 120 respondents. Primary data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, gross and market margin analysis and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that 85% of the producers were males, 83% of the processors were females and there was an equal share of 50% male and female marketers. The gross margin for male and female producers was ₦209,705.90 and ₦115,222.20 respectively. The male and female processors, had a gross profit margin of ₦71,000.00 and ₦52,952.00 respectively. The male and female marketers had a gross profit margin of ₦129,700.00 and ₦130,400.00 respectively. The analysis shows that the male producers and processors have greater gross margin while the female marketer has a higher gross margin than the male making the sweet potato business profitable among all the respondents in the study area. The regression result revealed that for producers, years of experience, credit accessibility, distance covered, and market price significantly affected profit margins. Among processors, years of experience, road accessibility, market price, and consumer preference were significant predictors, while age, government policy, and market price significantly influenced marketers’ profit margins. The result further showed that the major constraints faced by male and female actors include land conflict, inadequate vine, inadequate labour, bad roads, low income and cost of farm inputs. The study recommends that provision of good roads and standard vehicles for transportation should be provided to ease market accessibility.