ANALYSIS OF GENDER ROLE IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN IBARAPA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

The study determined the analysis of gender roles in maize production in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data obtained using structured questionnaire were collected from a sample of 120 farm families, five wards out often existing wards in the Local government area were selected. Data
were sampled through multistage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean scores and standard deviation were used for data analysis. The study revealed average age 44 years for female farmers and 40 years for the male farmers. Above average female respondents (66.7%) and male (65.0%) farmers were married. Female farmers had average household size of about 7 members while the male counterpart had household size of 6 members. Male farmers had more farming experience 13 years and cultivate more farmland 8acres than the female farmers 5acres.Women carried out most of the maize
production activities and undertook general maize processing (92.3%) except for land clearing (70.1%), ridge making (58.7%), earthen in gup (83.7%), and storing of maize (79.2%). The study recommended that female maize farmers' associations should develop a high level of consciousness on policy issues or difference that affect them. Both male and female farmers should be encouraged to for m and join farming organizations or cooperatives. This will enable them serve as pressure group to ensure implementation of some strategies and policies by the government.