Author: Ejika, SAMBO
Abstract
This study evaluated women's contribution to the development of agricultural-based businesses in North-East Nigeria. Adopting the survey research design, the target population was registered women-owned agricultural-based businesses in North-East Nigeria as at 31st December, 2023. 3 states out of six in the North-East were selected using systematic sampling techniques, and 787 out of 1979 agricultural-based businesses in the 3 selected states were selected using the purposive sampling technique on the criterion that the business must be owned by a woman. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from the owners, managers, and CEO of the selected business. Using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools, the study revealed that farm inputs, access to formal education, financing, and land ownership have a positive and significant influence on the performance of the selected business. Hence, the study concluded that farm inputs, formal educational exposure, access to affordable funds, and ownership and availability of fertile land affect the performance of agricultural-based businesses and the rate of women's participation in agricultural-based businesses in North-East Nigeria. Based on these findings, this study recommends that interventions aimed at supplying affordable farm inputs, access to formal education, and funds should be given to women who participate in agribusiness so as to encourage other women to join the business. Furthermore, women's land possession should also be encouraged to make land available for farming.
Keywords: Agricultural Based Business, Development, North-East Nigeria, Women