ABSTRACT

 The study investigated the participation level of women in the National Special Programme for Food Security (NSPFS) in Abia State. Two Agricultural zones (Aba and Umuahia) were purposively selected for the study. Further, two locations from each of the selected zone were selected: Umuebulungwu aiid Oborhia in Aba zone and Agba1ao'i and Amuro in Umuahia zone. Thirty women were randomly selected from each of the location, this gave a total of the 120 respondents used for the study. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that the participation level of women in the programme was 275 0/ The major reasons were lack of proper awareness of the programme in the study areas, poor extension contact with women and socio-cultural factors. The regression analysis revealed that primary occupation. household size and farm size had a positive relationship with participation level of women while age and membership of farmers association showed a negative relationship with participation level. Delay in supply of farm inputs. high cost of farm inputs, unready market for farm products. lacklinadequate credit and short time-frame for loan repayment were major problems affecting the programme in the study areas. It was concluded that increase awareness should be created among women farmers since the programme is still on and to train all farmers from time to time to ensure food security.