ABSTRACT

The study investigated gender analysis of organic and inorganic agro-inputs use among arable crop farmers in Benue and Imo States, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined different types of organic and inorganic agro-inputs, determined gender roles differentiation in the use of organic and inorganic agro-inputs across gender in the study area among others. Multistage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 288 respondents. Data were collected through interview schedule as well as questionnaire and were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean counts, frequencies, percentage, Ordinary Least Square and Z-test statistic. Results revealed that male farmers in Benue State utilized high levels of organic agro-inputs like poultry droppings (x̅ = 2.87), goat dung (x̅ = 2.76). While female utilized more of poultry droppings (x̅ = 2.52), goat dung (x̅ = 2.62). Subsequently low levels of organic agro-inputs utilization applies to both male and female farmers in Imo State such as poultry droppings (x̅ = 1.06 and x̅ = 1.83) and pig dung (x̅ = 1.22 and x̅ = 1.18) respectively. Also male farmers in Benue performed tedious roles like transportation of organic manure to the farm (21.4%) and purchasing of organic manure (20.7%). Females were involved in mild roles like preparation of wood ash (63.6%) and application of wood ash, palm bunch ash to crops (66.4%). In the same vein Imo male farmers transported organic manure to farms ((25%) and applied neem extract to crops (23.6%), while females applied organic manure to crops (20.1%). In the application of inorganic agro-inputs, males in Benue performed the roles of mixing and spraying of pesticides and herbicides (69.3%) and (67.9%) respectively. Females fetched water (32.9%) and provided containers (65%) as well. In Imo males transported fertilizers to farms (25%) and fetched water (59%), while females provided containers (10.5%). However major constraints identified by farmers in Benue in the use of organic inputs were bulkiness of organic manure, lack of efficient marketing and distribution system and gender of extension agents. While Imo farmers faced challenges like organic manure attracts pests and diseases, organic manure is bulky, offensive odor is displeasing. General constraints faced in the use of inorganic inputs were high cost of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, lack of government support. Result of OLS showed significant relationship between farmers` use of organic and inorganic agro-inputs and selected socioeconomic characteristics hence hypotheses 1 and 2 were rejected at 5% level. Z-test result of hypothesis 3 was not significant across gender at 5% level, while hypotheses 4,5,6,7 and 8 were significant at 5% level respectively. The study concluded that majority of male farmers` cultivated larger portions of farmland, utilized higher quantities of agro-inputs than females. Major constraints in the use of agro-inputs were offensive odor and bulkiness of organic manure, high cost of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and late delivery of fertilizers to farmers. The study recommended that female farmers should have access to enough farmland for arable crop production. Government should release fertilizers and other agro-inputs early and at cheaper rates to farmers in Nigeria.