Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Gender-Based Evaluation of World Bank Assissted Fadama III Farm Inputs Distribution Programme among User Groups in Delta State, Nigeria
Achoja, Felix Odemero

Abstract
Gender discrimination and its effect on agricultural development in emerging economies has occupied central position in international debates. This study investigates gender access and utilization of Fadama III farm input distribution programme among user groups in Delta state, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from selected Fadama III group members. The method of data analysis include descriptive statistics and chi-square statistics. The result of the study revealed that both male and female respondents had access to one or more farm inputs; but female accessed more than males. Female farmers also utilized more of the accessed inputs than the male farmers. The test of hypothesis using chi-square statistics, shows that there is significant association between gender and access to credit, herbicides, farm implements and sustainable land management (P < 0.05). The results also revealed that the major constraints that affected Fadama III farm input utilization in the study area were land tenure, inadequate fund, inadequate labour supply, conflict among the user group members and inadequate storage facilities. It was therefore recommended that the group approach currently adopted should be sustained to enhance gender equality and the actualization of Goal number 3 of the Millennium Development Goal.

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