AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

PRODUCTIVITY DIFFERENTIALS OF MALE AND FEMALE HEADED CASSAVA PRODUCING HOUSEHOLDS IN BENDE L.G.A., ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Onwukwe, F. O and Udokure, U. J.

Abstract
The study analyzed the productivity differentials of male and female-headed cassava-producing households in Bende L.G.A, Abia State. Multistage sampling procedures were used in the selection of 120 farm households in the study area. Data were obtained from primary sources through the use of structured questionnaires administered were analyzed with descriptive statistical tools like means, frequencies, percentages, TFP, and multiple regression models. Results showed that the male respondents were younger, married, educated, and experienced, than their female counterparts. Male-headed households had a slightly larger mean farm size (0.9 ha) compared to their femaleheaded counterparts (0.8 ha). The male respondents were more involved in clearing, stumping, and ridging while their female counterparts were involved in cutting planting materials, marketing, and applying fertilizers. The mean productivity (1.210) of the male farmers was higher than their female counterparts (0.710). Age (P<0.01), household size (P<0.10), fertilizer (P<0.01) and cassava cutting (P<0.01) were the significant factors that influenced the productivity of male-headed household farmers while Age (P<0.01), education (P<0.01), annual income (P<0.10), cassava cutting (P<0.01) and access to credit (P<0.01) were the significant factors that influenced the productivity of femaleheaded household farmers. The study recommended that governments and non-governmental organizations should provide subsidies, grants, credit, education, policies, and programs to increase their productivity.