Abstract: The study assessed Gender Analysis of Input-Output Levels among Small Scale Maize Farmers
in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. A total sample size of 60 respondents were
used for the study. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency,
percentages and mean. Also, inferential statistics such as the t-test was used to compare the mean
input and output of male and female maize farmers in the study area. It was revealed from the
findings that a larger proportion (48.3%) of the respondents fall between the ages of 31-40 years.
The mean age was 32.3 years. Results from the findings also revealed that a majority (51.7%)
were males. It was further revealed that a majority (76.7%) of the respondents were married, also
a larger proportion (38.3%) of the respondents were farmers and a majority (61.7%) of the
respondents belong to one cooperative society or the other. The mean farming experience was
approximately 10 years and that majority (85.0%) of the respondents owned their farm lands. A
majority (75%) of the respondents had no access to credit institutions. Larger proportion (48.3%)
of the respondents had annual income within the range of N150,001- N200,000, while the mean
annual income was N179,600. Results of the t-test revealed that there is a significant difference
in the mean output of male and female farmers engaged in maize production while, there was no
significant difference in the mean input between the male and female maize farmers. The study
further showed that, farmers in the study area were faced with constraints such as limited land,
inadequate extension contact, high cost of labour and inadequate capital. The research concluded
by recommending that women farmers should be involved in decision making relating to
agricultural activities, allowed access to farm lands and other productive inputs as these will
enhance their productivity. |