Socio-Economic Benefits of Backyard Farming: The Experience of Women in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the socio-economic benefits of backyard farming among women in South Western Nigeria, using Ekiti-State as a case study. A total of 180 respondents were randomly selected via multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and oral interviews. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of means, frequency counts and percentages for socio-economic predictors, which include: income generating, employment opportunity, food supply for the family, improved standard of living and ability to provide for children needs. The result showed that a high percentage of women farmers were in the age bracket of 30-58years and most of them were educated. Stocking density and caging type were determining factors for backyard farming efficiency. An average women farmer in the area had a mean technical efficiency of 79%. It was recommended that more women should be encouraged to embark on backyard farming for employment, income-generation and enhancement of proteins supply for family at relatively low cost, and at the same time that Federal Government should assist them financially.