ROLES OF RURAL WOMEN FARMERS IN RICE PRODUCTION IN TAFAWA BALEWA AND BOGORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the roles of rural women farmers in rice production in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 291 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and farm budget analysis. The results showed that rice production is dominated by older women, with 25.4% aged 48–57 years and 24.7% aged 57 years and above. Household size distribution revealed that 26.5% of the women had 9 members and above, while 24.7% had 1–2 members. Farming experience was substantial, with 25.4% having 8–15 years and 22.0% having 24–31 years of experience. Income levels were relatively high, as 82.1% earned ₦1,400,001 and above annually. Women demonstrated high involvement in weeding (mean = 3.1), milling (3.1), harvesting (3.0), and land preparation (3.0). Cost and returns analysis indicated that the respondents incurred a total cost of ₦1,467,550, generated ₦1,794,850 as revenue, resulting in a gross margin of ₦431,200 and a net farm income ratio of 0.3. The study confirms that rural women are central to rice production, but face barriers such as limited land control, high input costs, and restricted market access. Strengthening access to productive resources and gender-responsive agricultural support is essential to optimize womens' contributions and improve rice productivity in the region.