Women’s participation in the agro-food value chain can significantly improve their livelihoods, as it provides them with opportunities for income generation and economic empowerment. However, women in Nigeria face significant barriers to participation in the value chain, including limited access to productive resources, gendered social norms, and limited market access.
Limited access to productive resources, such as land, credit, and inputs, limits women’s ability to participate in the value chain and improve their livelihoods. Women often face discrimination and exclusion in accessing these resources, which limits their productivity and profitability. Addressing these challenges through policies and programs that promote gender equality and women’s rights can improve women’s access to productive resources and their participation in the value chain.
Gendered social norms also limit women’s participation in the value chain, as they face discrimination and exclusion in male-dominated sectors. This limits their bargaining power and ability to negotiate for fair prices, leading to lower returns on their investment. Addressing gendered norms and stereotypes through social and behavioral change communication can improve women’s participation and their livelihoods.
Limited market access is also a significant challenge for women’s participation in the value chain and their livelihoods. Women often lack market information, access to markets, and market linkages, which limit their ability to sell their products and earn a profit. Improving market access through targeted policies and programs that promote women’s participation in markets can significantly improve their livelihoods and economic empowerment.
Overall, addressing the multiple barriers that women face in participating in the agro-food value chain is critical for improving their livelihoods and promoting gender equality. Policies and programs that promote gender equality, access to productive resources, market access, and social and behavioral change communication are necessary for achieving these objectives.
References:
- Ogunrinola, I. O., & Adepoju, A. A. (2019). Women’s participation in agro-food value chains in Nigeria: challenges and prospects. Cogent Social Sciences, 5(1), 1-13.
- Tusiime, H., Njuki, J., & Wambugu, S. (2018). Women’s participation in the agricultural value chain and the role of social and economic empowerment: Evidence from rural Uganda. Journal of Rural Studies, 60, 33-43.
- Ukwungwu, S. V., & Ogundele, O. O. (2021). Women’s participation in agro-food value chains in Nigeria: a review of literature. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 25(1), 53-63.