Women, Agriculture and Socio-Economic Development of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (2010-2023)

Abstract

The article examined the nexus between women’s activities in agriculture and the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Notwithstanding the proportion of women that engage in agriculture, the gender gap has impaired women from having praise and accolades and the fact that food sufficiency and security are farfetched. Both the survey method where a total of 475 women were given questionnaires to respond to, and the historical/descriptive methods were used in eliciting data for the paper. The theory adopted for analysis was the 1953 dualism theory proposed by Julius Herman Bocke of the modernization school. Amongst others, the paper revealed the importance of agriculture to society, the contribution of women to socio-economic development in the areas of employment generation, income and revenues to individual households and governments, the provision of a platform for processing and marketing of agricultural products, and raw materials for industries. However, several challenges such as the gender gap, challenges of access to land, funding, inadequate agricultural infrastructure and productive resources constrain the activities of women in agriculture. Arising from the findings, the paper recommended: a review of land policy to give women more access to land, increase in budgetary allocation and release for agricultural activities, increase investment in R & D and enlightenment of the agro-preneurs through regular information dissemination.