GENDERED PATH TO MARKET PARTICIPATION OF SMALL-HOLDER COWPEA (VIGNA. UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.) FARMERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analysed gender-based market participation of cowpea farmers in Borno state, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 593 cowpea farmers, comprising of 150 females and 443 males and primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square and Tobit regression were used to analyse the data. The result showed that the average ages of both females and males were 48.83 (13.89) and 44.29 (13.83) years respectively, the average years of formal education for females and males were 5.08 (5.08) and 8.97 (5.91) years respectively. Less than half (41%) of females and the majority (58%) of males were members of a group. Equally, less than half (40% and 37.9%) of females and males respectively had access to market information. The result further revealed that the majority (62.7% and 68.62%) of females and males respectively sold their cowpea outside their village. The level of cowpea market participation was high for females and males (53.58% and 55.39 respectively) with no significant difference (Chi²=0.591, P≥0.1). Tobit estimates showed that Household size was positively significant (P≤0.1), Age, Years of formal education, and group membership were found to be negative but significant (P≤0.01, P≤0.01 and P≤0.05 respectively). It is concluded that there is no gender inequality regarding to cowpea market participation in Borno State Nigeria. The use of conventional market channels that are gender-friendly is recommended to improve cowpea market participation.