ABSTRACT
Over the past two decades, in most countries, the operation of family farms has decreased. Hence this study investigated gender involvement in family farming in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, with a focus on socioeconomic characteristics, sustainable farming practices, activities performed by different gender groups, well-being of household members, and constraints faced by family farm households. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to sample 133 family farming household in Egor Local Government Area. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that both men and women of various age groups actively participated in family farming with a mean age of 39 years. The study identified a mix of sustainable and non-sustainable farming practices. Respondents percieved that family farming could support various aspects of well-being, including education and food security. Rural-urban migration of children, land fragmentation, limited access to capital, inadequate family labor, and government assistance were identified as constraints. Both male and female respondents perceived limited government assistance and concerns related to insecurity and community crises as constraints. The study found significant relationships between household size (Coeff. = 0.61, p. < 0.0000), farm size (Coeff. = 0.72, Sign. = 0.0000), annual income from farming (Coeff. = 0.51, Sign. = 0.0000), income from non-farming activities (), and the level of involvement of the household head in family farming activities. More females were involved in livestock farming activities (male = 60.0%, female = 81.0%). A significant difference in the level of involvement was observed between male and female farmers (t= 4.39; p=0.05). Male farmers appeared to be more involved in family farming activities on average. It was concluded that Family farming was perceived as a means to support various aspects of well-being, including education and food security. It was recommended that there is need for implementation of policies and programs that promote gender equality within family farming. Provide equal access to resources, training, and opportunities for both male and female farmers.
