GENDER-BASED CONSTRAINTS IN MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN NDOKWA EAST AND WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

Abstract

The study examined gender-based constraints in marketing of agricultural products in Ndokwa East and West LGAs of Delta State. A random sampling technique was adopted to select respondents for this study because they are marketers of the four selected agricultural produce in the study area. The first stage involved random selection of five (5) communities from each of the Local Government areas that have marketers of selected agricultural products. The second stage involved random sampling technique to select a total number of two hundred (200) respondents that are sellers of cassava tubers, plantain, garri and yam tuber sellers from the selected communities. Primary data were collected for the study using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire seeks information in accordance to the specific objectives of the study. Data collected for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, means and standard deviation. Gender analysis also showed differences in the severity of the constraints as experienced by men and women in marketing of four selected agricultural products. Product quantity are a constraining factor for men as a result of the upcoming but still relatively small in marketing of agricultural products. Poor market infrastructure and middle men exploitation were constraints significantly more mentioned by women in general. Men identified limited processing facilities/equipment as the most important constraint affecting the demand of cassava products, while women in both locations were more constrained by the shortage of basic amenities and trainings that hindered their processing. It was recommended that government and private organizations should encourage these young male and females who are already into agricultural products (cassava, yam, maize and plantain) marketing through the provision of improved marketing system in the study area and government at both state and local levels should also encourage engagement in marketing of agricultural products (cassava, yam, maize and plantain) through provision of credit facilities