An Assessment of Women Farmers Access to Extension Services in Central Agricultural Zone, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Although both male and women farmers contribute to agricultural production significantly, yet inequality in the access of resources between men and women is linked with production in efficiency. The objectives of tthis study is to examined women farmers access to extension services in Central Agricultural Zone, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 240 women farmers for the study. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect information from the women farmers. Descriptive statistics and logit regression were used for the statistical analysis. The result of the study indicates that Socio-economic variables such as age, farm size and group membership had significant influence in accessing extension services at 5%, 1% and 5% levels, respectively. The constraints faced by the women farmers were insufficient farm inputs and inadequate farm credit amongst others. It was concluded that women farmers in the study area had access to extension services and radio was the most widely used source of extension information in the area. Likewise, age, farming experience, farm size and group membership influenced the respondents access to extension services. It was recommended that women farmers should be assisted in acquiring farm inputs at a subsidized rate in the area. The existing women groups should mobilize funds among their members in order to help solve problem of inadequate farm credit.