Gender analysis of participation in ginger processing among farmers in Kaduna State Nigeria

Abstract

The level of involvement of different gender groups in agricultural production has become an issue of global interest in recent times. This study estimated the levels of participation; the determinants of the level of participation, and constraints to participation in ginger processing by different gender groups in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria. A set of structured and pre-tested questionnaires was used to elicit data from 240 respondents selected through purposive and multi-stage sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results obtained indicate that women and youths were more actively involved in ginger processing compared to men. Women had the highest level of participation in many ginger processing activities including washing fresh rhizomes, carrying in and out of rhizomes during drying, sorting before bagging, grinding dried ginger to powder, and production of ginger drinks. Youths excelled in the manual splitting of ginger rhizomes, bagging, carrying dried ginger to store, and carrying split dry ginger to the market. Men were most active in operating ginger-splitting machines. Exponential the lead equation for the level of participation in ginger processing indicated that sex, years of farming experience, farm size, contact with extension agent, and membership of cooperative society of the respondents were the determinants. Lack of washing equipment, fluctuating prices, and insecurity were the most important constraints. These should serve as critical drivers that should be targeted in a bid to promote ginger processing in the study area. Such efforts should prioritize men while taking into account the various roles played by different gender groups.