1.1 Introduction
Rural women farmers are pivotal to the economic development of their communities and nations at large. Their contributions span various facets of agriculture, encompassing crop production, livestock management, and food processing. Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, education, and markets, rural women farmers have consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation in their agricultural practices. In many developing countries, women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce. They engage in both subsistence and commercial farming, ensuring food security and generating income for their households. The empowerment of rural women farmers through targeted policies and programs can amplify their economic impact. Access to land, credit, training, and technology are critical enablers that can enhance their productivity and income. Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural women in agriculture is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Rural women farmers constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce globally, yet they often encounter various obstacles that impede their ability to thrive economically. Despite their essential role in food production and agricultural sustainability, they continue to face systemic barriers that limit their access to resources, markets, and decision-making opportunities. Rural women farmers play a crucial role in the economic development of many countries, particularly in agricultural-based economies. However, they face numerous challenges that hinder their full participation and contribution to economic growth.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and various non-governmental organizations intensified their efforts to close the gender gap in agriculture. Research and reports, such as the FAO's "The State of Food and Agriculture 2010-2011," underscored the potential economic benefits of empowering rural women farmers. These efforts emphasized the need for equitable access to resources, education, and decision-making power for women in agriculture.
In pre-industrial agrarian societies, women were engaged in various farming tasks, including planting, weeding, harvesting, and food processing. Their knowledge of local crops and farming techniques was crucial for the survival and stability of their communities. Despite their significant input, societal norms and legal restrictions typically denied women ownership of land and access to decision-making roles within the agricultural sector.
Education and training are vital for adopting modern farming techniques and improving productivity. Many rural women have limited access to agricultural extension services and training programs, which are often tailored to men. This gender bias in educational outreach prevents women from gaining the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their farming practices (FAO, 2011). The role of rural women in agriculture and economic development has evolved significantly over centuries, shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors. Historically, rural women have always been integral to agricultural activities, contributing to food production, household sustenance, and community resilience. However, their contributions were often marginalized and undervalued, particularly in patriarchal societies where women's work was not formally recognized or compensated.
The advent of industrialization and the Green Revolution in the mid-20th century brought about substantial changes in agricultural practices, which had both positive and negative impacts on rural women farmers. On one hand, technological advancements in agriculture increased productivity and food security. On the other hand, these changes often reinforced gender disparities, as men were more likely to receive training and access to new technologies and resources. Women were frequently left behind, continuing to use traditional methods with limited support.
The recognition of gender disparities in agriculture gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, spurred by the women's movement and emerging research on gender and development. Scholars and activists highlighted the critical role of rural women in agriculture and the need for policies that addressed their specific challenges. The United Nations Decade for Women (1976-1985) was a pivotal period during which gender issues in agriculture began to receive global attention.
Today's understanding of rural women's role in economic development is informed by decades of research and advocacy. It is widely acknowledged that empowering rural women farmers is essential for achieving sustainable development goals, including poverty reduction, food security, and gender equality. Initiatives aimed at improving women's access to land, credit, training, and technology have shown promising results, demonstrating that gender-inclusive agricultural policies can lead to significant economic and social benefits.
The economic contribution of rural women farmers has gained increasing recognition in recent years, reflecting their vital role in sustaining agricultural productivity and enhancing rural livelihoods. Historically, rural women have been integral to farming communities, yet their efforts have often been undervalued and underreported. This oversight has contributed to a persistent gender gap in access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power within the agricultural sector.
In many developing countries, women represent a substantial proportion of the agricultural labor force. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women comprise about 43% of the agricultural workforce globally, with even higher percentages in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia . These women are involved in various stages of agricultural production, from planting and harvesting to processing and marketing.
Despite their significant involvement, rural women farmers face numerous challenges that impede their productivity and economic potential. Limited access to land ownership, financial services, agricultural inputs, and education are major barriers. Cultural norms and legal constraints often exacerbate these issues, restricting women's ability to participate fully in agricultural enterprises and decision-making processes. Consequently, the gender gap in agriculture leads to inefficiencies and lost economic opportunities, not only for women but for entire communities and economies. Efforts to support rural women farmers include policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and the promotion of gender-sensitive agricultural technologies. Programs that provide access to credit, training, and markets are particularly effective in enabling women to enhance their agricultural activities and economic status. Moreover, fostering an inclusive policy environment that addresses gender biases and promotes equality can significantly amplify the contributions of rural women to economic development.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the role of rural women farmers in economic development.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that rural women often face significant barriers in owning and controlling land. Legal and cultural norms in many countries restrict women's land rights, which undermines their ability to invest in and benefit from agricultural activities. Secure land tenure is crucial for accessing credit and other resources necessary for improving agricultural productivity (FAO, 2011).
Additionally, access to credit and financial services is essential for purchasing inputs, investing in technologies, and expanding agricultural operations. However, rural women farmers frequently encounter difficulties in obtaining loans due to lack of collateral, discriminatory lending practices, and limited financial literacy. This financial exclusion hampers their ability to scale up their farming activities (World Bank, 2012).
Furthermore, rural women farmers often struggle to access local, national, and international markets. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited market information, and gender-based barriers in market participation restrict their ability to sell their produce at competitive prices. Improving market access is crucial for increasing their income and economic stability (Deere & Doss, 2006).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the contribution of rural women farmers to economic growth using Bende Local Government Area of Abia State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the extent of rural women farmers' involvement in crop production, livestock management, and other agricultural activities;
- To examine the role of rural women in sustaining agricultural biodiversity and adopting sustainable farming practices;
- To investigate the barriers to land ownership and property rights for rural women;
- To assess the availability and effectiveness of agricultural training and extension services for rural women;
- To explore market access issues and the impact of infrastructure on women farmers' ability to sell their produce;
- To recommend policy measures to improve land rights and property ownership for rural women in the area under study.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the extent of rural women farmers' involvement in crop production, livestock management, and other agricultural activities?
- What is the role of rural women in sustaining agricultural biodiversity and adopting sustainable farming practices?
- What are the barriers to land ownership and property rights for rural women?
- What is the availability and effectiveness of agricultural training and extension services for rural women?
- What are the market access issues and the impact of infrastructure on women farmers' ability to sell their produce?
- What is the policy measures needed to improve land rights and property ownership for rural women in the area under study?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Rural women farmers significantly contribute to economic development through their involvement in agricultural production, which enhances food security, household income, and local economies.
- H02: Enhancing access to land and property rights for rural women farmers will lead to increased agricultural productivity and economic growth.
- H03: Improving agricultural training and extension services targeted at rural women will increase their agricultural efficiency and productivity.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research showed that rural women farmers play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Their traditional knowledge and practices often contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. Recognizing and integrating their contributions is essential for achieving SDG 2 on zero hunger and SDG 15 on life on land (FAO, 2011).
Additionally, the research study will also provide evidence-based insights that can guide policymakers in designing and implementing effective programs. This includes improving access to land, credit, training, and markets for rural women. Well-informed policies can create an enabling environment that supports the economic contributions of women farmers (FAO, 2011).
Furthermore, the study highlights the disparities in access to resources, education, and opportunities between men and women in rural areas. By identifying these gaps, the study advocates for gender-sensitive policies that promote equality and empower women. This is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality (World Bank, 2012).
Finally, the findings of the research study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the role of rural women farmers in economic development using Bende Local Government Area of Abia State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Rural Women Farmers:
Women residing in rural areas who are actively involved in agricultural activities, including crop production, livestock rearing, and other farming-related tasks.
Economic Development:
It is the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, or local community are improved according to targeted goals and objectives. This includes increased productivity, income, and standards of living.
Agricultural Productivity:
It is the ratio of agricultural outputs to agricultural inputs. It measures the efficiency of agricultural production, often assessed through yield per unit of land or labor.
