Empowering Rural Women through Small Scale Agro-Processing: The Potential in Maize Flour Processing in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of maize flour processing to empower rural women in Niger State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling was used to collect data using a questionnaire, the budgetary analysis method was utilized for the analysis. Seventy-three (73) respondent processors were drawn for the study. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were also used to organize and present the data collected. Findings revealed that local processing of maize flour by women in the rural area is profitable, and therefore an economic empowerment strategy. The processors’ gross margin and net return were estimated at N14,250 and N11,990 respectively. Hence, from the analysis, it is apparent that the enterprise has the potential of providing means of livelihood to women in the study area. Furthermore, the study identified a lack of preservatives and high moisture content of the flour, a lack of good storage facility, and frequent contamination of the flour by lubricants during milling as constraints. This study focused on the agro-processing potential of rural women in maize flour production. It is confirmed that maize flour processing has the potential to empower rural women in the study area.