Gender gap in land rights and access to agricultural production in Okigwe Agricultural Zone, Imo state, Nigeria

Land is a vital resource for agricultural productivity and economic growth. Inequalities in access and rights to land by male and female farmers could hamper agricultural productivity. The study assessed the gender gap in land rights and access to agricultural production in Okigwe Agricultural Zone of Imo state, Nigeria. The study identified the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area; determined the farmer's access to land; ascertained the land rights of the farmers; determined the socio-economic factors influencing access to land in the study area. It was hypothesized that there were no significant differences in the access to land by male and female farmers. Ninety-six (96) male and female farmers were sampled, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentages, Ordinary Least Square Regression and t-test. Results showed that the mean farm size of male and female farmers was 0.2842 hectares and 0.1842 hectares. All male farmers had the right to land, while a few female farmers had the right to land. The result showed that age, income and education significantly affect male and female farmers’ access to land and that there were significant gender gaps in access to land. The study recommended the provision of agricultural credits to enable farmers to acquire land for agricultural production.