Determinants and Patterns of Women’s Participation in Agricultural Value Chains for Gender-Inclusive Agricultural Growth: Evidence from Gumel Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examines the determinants of women’s participation in agricultural value chain (AVC) activities in the study area, focusing on both the extent (range of activities) and the level (depth) of their involvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the analysis is based on data collected from women with a mean age of 31 years and an average household size of four members, predominantly single or married, with secondary-level education and an average of 12 years of agricultural experience. A significant majority reported a lack of access to credit and agricultural extension services. The study revealed an overall moderate extent of participation, with a mean Extent of Participation Index (EPI) of 0.39, and 53.3% of respondents engaged in 3-5 downstream activities like processing, marketing and livestock farming. Participation depth was low (mean LPI 0.29), with 65.3% dedicating few working days, revealing a gap between diversification and commitment. Regression showed experience, education, credit, and extension access positively increased extent, while marital status and household size were negative. Comparative analysis using both t-test (148) = -0.024, p = 0.981, and the Mann-Whitney U test (U = 2381.00, p = 0.787) showed credit access alone did not significantly increase participation depth, proving finance is insufficient without human capital. The quantitative findings are contextualized by perceived factors: respondents identified education and training, credit access, land rights, restrictive beliefs, fear of failure, and domestic burdens as major barriers. Conclusively, improving women’s participation in AVC to ensure gender-inclusive agricultural growth requires integrated policies that move beyond land and credit, and instead address human capital, gender-sensitive extension, and socio-cultural transformation.