What Determines Gender Roles in the Allocation and Investment Decisions of Farm Households in Nigeria?

Gender roles in agricultural decision-making significantly influence resource allocation, productivity, and household welfare in rural communities. This study examined gender-specific roles in allocation and investment decisions among agricultural households in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. It aimed to understand the models of household decision-making and the socio-economic factors shaping these dynamics.

A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 60 agricultural households. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) and Multinomial Logistic Regression. The study identified household socio-economic attributes, types of decision-making models, gender roles in decision-making and factors influencing model selection.

Findings revealed that women, particularly adult females, are largely excluded from critical agricultural production decisions, though they are involved in labor-related decisions. Additionally, membership in farmer organizations or social groups had a statistically significant (p>0.01) and inverse relationship with the type of decision-making model adopted. The study recommends encouraging farmers to form and actively participate in cooperatives to improve their socio-economic standing and reduce dependence on government support for household and community development.