Are we married into poverty? Denied women landownership in Nigeria.

A cross sectional survey was used to determine the rights of women to own land for forestry development. Data were derived from a combination of questionnaire interviews and informal group discussions on land rights of rural women. Results of data analyses indicated that: (i) gender inequality was entrenched into the traditional land tenure; (ii) women enjoyed the same types of land use rights as men except that they were denied access to land ownership; (iii) land ownership by women was not closed. They had the right to own land through purchase; and (iv) lands at the disposal of women were marginal: small and unproductive holdings for agricultural production. The lands were however useful for EX SITU conservation of forest species of plants. It is important to encourage women to own lands in order to escape from poverty traps through empowerment and stable income streams. The ministries and agencies responsible for women affairs and environment should encourage rural women through trainings and farm/forestry inputs to improve their economic status.