AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

GENDER - BASED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR PARTICIPATION IN CASSAVA PRODUCTION IN UYO AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Patrick, Inimfon Vincent, Nkeme, Kesit Kufre and Onyia, Chukwuemeka Chiebonam

Abstract
This study analysed gender participation in cassava crop production in Uyo Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State. Data were collected from 150 respondents through a multistage sampling technique and analysed using simple descriptive statistics, Z-test, multinomial logit regression and likert scale rating technique. Result revealed a mean education, farming experience, age, farm distance and farm size of 11 years, 9 years, 42 years, 0.75 kilometre and 0.6 hectares, respectively. Majority (63.3%) were female and married (52.7%). About51.3% had extension contact, 76.7% engaged in off-farm work with 58.7% being members of social organization. Finding revealed a significant difference in gender participation at 1% probability level. Analysis of participation in different production activities showed that educational attainment was negative and significantly reduce participation in bush clearing (Z=-2.24), cultivation (Z=3.36), and weeding (Z=1.98) at the 5, 1 and 10% level while total monthly income significantly reduce participation in clearing (Z=1.92) and planting (Z=2.32) at 10 and 5% probability levels. Also, while gender of farmer was negative and significantly influence participation in clearing (Z=2.26) and cultivation (Z=1.78) at the 5% and 1%, and positively increase participation in planting (Z=2.03) and weeding (Z=1.94) at 5 and 10 % probability levels, farm distance also had a significant inverse relationship with participation in clearing ((Z=2.78), cultivating ((Z= 1.85), and weeding ((Z=3.93) at 5, 10 and 1 % levels, respectively. Findings further showed that while household size was positive and significantly increased participation in clearing ((Z=2.45) and cultivating ((Z=3.82) at 5 and 1%, marital status was also positive and significantly influence participation in planting ((Z=1.88) and weeding ((Z=4.14) at 10 and 1% probability levels