Market Women Research Articles

Health literacy and breast cancer preventive practices among market women in Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Health literacy and breast cancer preventive practices among market women in Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Women in Cassava Processing and Marketing in North Central Nigeria: Are they any Happier?

Cassava is one of the most important staple food items available in Nigeria. Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava and it’s considered the most important tropical root crop providing food and income to over 30 million farmers, processors and traders. The objective of this study is to ascertain the happiness status of women combining occupation of processing and marketing cassava with family responsibility in north-central Nigeria. This objective is motivated by novelty of such researches in the research area. The findings revealed that women in processing and marketing of cassava in north central Nigeria are happy. The study concludes that happiness question in the study area is influence by the people’s culture where one will hardly said he/she is unhappy. The study therefore, recommends that community leaders and local government authorities encourage women in cassava processing and marketing to always form cooperative societies. This will not only make them a formidable common front but will improve their contributions/supports to families from their cooperatives pool resources.

Role of Rural Women in Production and Marketing of Agricultural product in Khormal Sub-District- Halabja Governorate

The aim of this study was to determine the role of rural women in production and marketing of agricultural products in Zalm village, and identify the differences in production and marketing of agricultural products of rural women’s role according to some variables (Age, Level of Education, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Profession and Women’s income). The research population involved all women in zalm village included (50) women. The data was collected through personal interviews; questionnaire was prepared for this purpose, to confirm the validity the questionnaire was reviewed by some experts. The results showed that the Role of rural women’s in Agricultural production was medium tend to low, while the Role of rural women’s in marketing of agricultural products was low tend to medium. The results indicated significant differences in women’s role of agricultural production according to (Level of Education, Standard of Living, and profession), while no-significant differences according to (age, Marital status, number of family, Women’s income), also The results appeared significant differences in women’s role of agricultural marketing according (Level of Education, and profession), while no significant differences according (age, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Women’s income). Depending on the results we conclude that the work in the agricultural sector has changed due to the lack of government support for farmers in terms of providing agriculture Requirements for production or marketing of their products. The result shows that the level of education affects the role of women in production and marketing, as well as educational levels leads to an increase in their awareness and culture, and the expanding their knowledge of the importance of the agricultural sector. The Researcher recommended encouraging and supporting rural women to engage in agricultural work by the responsible authorities, and increasing their awareness of the importance of working in this field through the use of various extension methods, as well as working to provide agricultural production and marketing requirements so that their potential is properly exploited for the development of the agricultural sector.

Self Medication Against COVID19 Infection: Assessment of Practices among Residents in a Semi Urban Nigerian Community

Aims: The prevalence of self-medication worldwide has been on the increase especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though self-medication can reduce pressure on the healthcare, the seeming downsides is overwhelming especially with the lockdown in the COVID-19 era. This study is thus set to understand the prevalence and nature of self-medication against COVID-19 among Individuals in Nsukka Town. Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on descriptive non-experimental research designed to investigate the prevalence and practices of self-medication against COVID-19 was conducted within the Nsukka town of Enugu state, Nigeria. A 20-item structured, self-administered questionnaire was administered to a population consisting of Health workers, Road Transport workers and market women. Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS version 21.0 were used to analyze the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: A total of 840 responses were received. Participants aged 35-44 (262, 29.6%) and males (592, 67%) were the highest in the study. A 38.0% of the respondents have a tertiary education certificate while a 36.5% are traders. Nearly half (45.5%) of the participants were married. Participants indulgence in general self-medication (439, 49.7%) was higher than indulged in self-medication to prevent COVID-19 (415, 46.9%). Most self-medication was done largely to prevent COVID-19 infection. Among the drugs commonly self-medicated are dexamethasone (6.2%) and vitamin C (6%) closely followed prednisolone (3.8%). A few of the participants had “no trust in doctor” (1.8%) while an equal number “have medicines of family members” (1.8%). Conclusion: Approximately half of the respondents reported to have self-medicated to prevent COVID-19. Dexamethasone and Vitamin C were most commonly used drugs. The only factor associated with COVID-19 self-medication was gender where being a female was associated with self-medicating against COVID-19. Concerted efforts are needed to educate the public on the dangers of self-medication and the need to access medical attention and information from healthcare professionals during pandemics.

Evaluation of health information needs and dissemination among market women in rural communities in Ghana

Evaluation of health information needs and dissemination among market women in rural communities in Ghana

Gender considerations in innovation platforms in the livestock sector in Mali

ABSTRACT Innovation platforms (IPs) are spaces for coordination, mutual learning, and consultation among different actors in a value chain to diagnose and solve common problems. They were set up as part of USAID Feed the Future Mali Livestock Scaling Technology Program to address the challenges of the ruminant livestock sector in Mali, including low visibility and weak participation of women in livestock production and marketing. Our purpose in this paper is to report gender considerations in the process of supporting women farmers empowerment embedded in IPs. Qualitative data was collected from project sites over a six-month; 50 iterative interviews were conducted, including 21 in-depth individual interviews, 7 focus groups, 2 participatory workshops and 20 key informant interviews. All interviews were conducted in total with 106 individuals, including 49 men and 14 women livestock farmers. Our results show that the empowerment of women livestock farmers was not systematic with IPs, but rather depends on gender relations and dynamics in the specific social contexts in which these IPs were implemented.

Agricultural value chain and households' livelihood in Africa: The case of Nigeria

One of the critical issues of concern is how African countries can take agriculture as a business that creates wealth which can help transform rural communities, increase income, reduce poverty and help the continent achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) of no poverty (SDG-1) and food and nutrition security (SDG-2) by 2030. Hence, this study examines how participation in agriculture through cassava value chain can improve households' livelihood income in Africa using the case of Nigeria. To achieve its objective, the study utilised quantitative analysis approach to address the linkages among economic agents within the agricultural value chain. The logit regression and propensity scores matching technique are used for the quantitative analysis. The result show that, while more significant proportion of male cassava production household heads sell cassava in its fresh form, their female counterparts add value by processing cassava further into finished staple foods. Another key insight is the high involvement of youth and women in cassava production, processing and marketing. Thus, they have greater influence in promoting and improving households’ livelihood income. Therefore, more targeted efforts should be made by all stakeholders to ensure that youth and women have better, less expensive and dependable assess to facilities at lower interest rates to participate in agricultural value chain. This will engender inclusiveness of the vulnerable groups in agricultural value chain.

Can We Survive? Personal Branding Model of Five Female Entrepreneurs and Songket Weavers in Padang Genting Village, Batubara Regency

This research was conducted to determine the personal branding model of five female entrepreneurs and songket weavers in Padang Genting Village, Batu Bara District. This research is descriptive, using qualitative analysis. With interview and observation data collection techniques. From the results of the research, it is known that the right personal branding model for five female entrepreneurs as well as songket weavers in Padang Genting Village, Batubara Regency is to maximize the three elements of Personal Branding according to Peter Montoya and Vandehey (2009). The first element is the Person, namely increasing the specialization and uniqueness of the role of women in marketing and songket weaving activities such as holding training programs to improve marketing and songket weaving skills. The second element is the Promise which requires integration between the government and female songket weavers to run a sustainable program to preserve songket weaving activities in Padang Genting Village, Batu Bara District. The obstacle experienced by women entrepreneurs as well as songket weavers is the lack of support from the government. The third element is Relationship, namely increasing the ability to establish good relationships and good communication with songket buyers inside and outside Batu Bara Regency.

Prostate Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs amongst Women: The Application of a Psychometrically Valid Tool (PCaKAB‐Gh) in a Large Population

Background. The involvement of women, as health influencers, has been instrumental in improving health outcomes and quality of life. In sub‐Saharan Africa, poor knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancers have contributed to late detection and increased mortality. Although pharmacists have provided optimum pharmaceutical care in ensuring that prostate cancer (PCa) patients obtain maximum clinical benefits from pharmacotherapy, late detection has hindered pharmacotherapeutic outcomes. The application of the PCaKAB‐Gh tool to women has the potential to investigate their lapses in PCa knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs and further equip pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to design educational interventions. Ultimately, Ghanaian women will be well‐positioned to advise and motivate their men to screen for PCa. Method. Our pilot and psychometric studies recruited 400 and 500 participants from the Kumasi Central Market and the New Agogo Community Market, respectively. In this large population application of the PCaKAB‐Gh tool, 2000 women were simply randomly enrolled from these markets and data were collected using paper questionnaires with ethical approval. Data were entered into IBM SPSS (version 24) after cleaning and coding for analysis. The knowledge on signs and symptoms was scored and graded as “low” (≤2), “moderate” (3–5), and “high” (5–8), whilst the knowledge on causes and risk factors was stratified as “low” (≤1), “moderate” (2‐3), and “high” (4‐5). Pearson’s correlation was conducted to investigate the relationship between women’s educational status and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Statistical significance was established as a p < 0.05. Results. Christians and Muslims accounted for about 70% and 24% of the participants, respectively, whilst over 50% of the participants were Akans. Over 50% and 30% of the 2000 participants had high and moderate knowledge about the signs and symptoms of PCa, respectively. Knowledge about the causes and risk factors was approximately 30% high and 50% moderate amongst the participants. Negative attitudes and beliefs outcomes were observed in about 25% and 55% of the participants. A p < 0.001 was achieved in Pearson’s correlation between the educational level of respondents and knowledge on signs and symptoms (r = −0.102), knowledge on causes and risk factors (r = 0.111), attitudes (r = −0.122), and beliefs (r = 0.228). Conclusions. Our study established that market women had better knowledge on the signs and symptoms of PCa compared to the causes and risk factors. Their beliefs about PCa were worse compared to their attitudes. The development and administration of educational interventions, relying on the outcomes of this study, must involve markets, churches, and mosques as educational sites with special attention to addressing negative beliefs through a broader community‐based engagement.

Unlocking the potential of novel RTS, S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccines in African nations.

Mass malaria vaccination, rather than vaccinating only children below age 5, has been proven to have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality among those vaccinated, both young and old. Addressing vaccine scepticism and misinformation is crucial in African nations to build public trust in malaria prevention. Therefore, including a wider range of demographics in vaccine trials is necessary for equitable representation and achieving herd immunity against malaria. This present article aims to identify some of the obstacles that impede malaria vaccination usage and acceptability in African Nations in combating malaria in the region as it continues to pose a significant global public health problem. A literature search was done on the Malaria vaccine between 2000 and 2023. Past and present articles/studies on this topic were consulted on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science using the following keywords; "Malaria," "Vaccines," "African Nations," "Obstacles, Strategies," and "Public Health." The recently approved RTS, S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M™ Malaria vaccines have the potential to prevent numerous deaths and cases of Malaria in Africa. These vaccines Malaria vaccines are cost-effective in African areas with moderate to high plasmodium falciparum and can be delivered through routine immunization. To combat malaria effectively in African Nations, African leaders need to set up a comprehensive approach that involves; prevention, healthcare access, implementation research strategies towards adoption and acceptance of malaria vaccines in Africa as well as community engagement with the religious leaders, the market women, community heads, schools, as well as students' union towards the willingness and acceptability of the malaria vaccines among the African populations.

The role of women in rural marketing: Empowerment and economic drivers

The role of women in rural marketing: Empowerment and economic drivers

Redistributive matronage: a moral economy of female traders and the ruling elite in Equatorial Guinea

ABSTRACT This paper explores the historicity of the marketplace in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, focusing on testimonies from senior petty traders. It investigates the role of the marketplace as a site for redistributive matronage by analysing the historical accounts of market women. The article reveals key institutions, including the female section of the ruling party, market-sellers' associations, and the business-partner (socia) system, which collectively contribute to a resilient moral economy. This moral economy has persisted through various political-economic regimes since the country's independence in 1968. The paper connects the concept of the moral economy with debates on redistributive labour and patronage, providing insights into market women's daily activities as both generators and by-products of the country's political economy. Instead of presenting an alternative to political-economic analysis of Equatorial Guinea, this ethnographic investigation offers fundamental insights into the regime's actual functioning and its hegemonic reproduction.

The Determinants of Beef Cattle Market Participation on Beef Cattle Producers’ Welfare: A Case Study of West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Due to their ability to produce meat, milk, leather, glue, gelatin, and other products that people may utilize, beef cattle are domesticated. Beef cattle production and marketing play a vital role in the growth and development of the globe and the African economy. Ethiopia has great potential for livestock population in Africa and in the world but earns less from beef cattle production and marketing. Ethiopian farmers are reluctant to beef cattle market participation. Their reluctant to participate in beef cattle marketing causes lack of beef cattle products in the market and causes high prices for beef cattle and its products. The research objective was to analyze the impact of beef cattle market participation on the welfare of beef cattle smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. The primary data come from 400 randomly selected beef cattle farmers involved in beef cattle production and marketing and actors. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics propensity score matching (PSM) model have used to analyze the collected data. The data analysis result indicated that smallholder beef cattle farmers participating in beef cattle marketing and farmers’ annual per capita consumption expenditure (economic welfare) increased by 84% more than the nonbeef cattle market participants. We assume this is a first result and investigation in the study area. The research study is important for farmers, policymakers, researchers, and the academia in general. Providing education and training, promoting the participation of more women in beef cattle marketing, and promoting and encouraging more full-time beef cattle farmers are suggested recommendations.

A Study on Role of Women in Shaping Digital Marketing: Empowerment and Innovation

The landscape of digital marketing is undergoing a transformative shift, and this research investigates the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and shaping the future of this dynamic field. Drawing upon existing literature and empirical data, this study examines the impact of women's participation, leadership, and empowerment on fostering innovation within digital marketing strategies and practices. Research suggests that gender diversity contributes significantly to innovation and creativity in professional settings (Bell et al., 2018; O'Mara et al., 2020). By analyzing case studies and success stories of women leaders in digital marketing, this study aims to highlight the unique perspectives, contributions, and innovative approaches that women bring to the industry. The study explores the challenges and barriers faced by women in advancing within the digital marketing sphere, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and initiatives that empower women to excel and lead in this evolving landscape. It also delves into the impact of mentorship, networking, and skill development programs in facilitating women's empowerment and fostering innovation within digital marketing contexts (Dobbin &Kalev, 2016; Eagly& Carli, 2007). Ultimately, this research aims to provide actionable insights for industry leaders, policymakers, and educational institutions to create an environment that not only empowers women in digital marketing but also leverages their contributions for fostering innovation and sustained growth

The influence of nutrition knowledge, attitude, practices, and dietary diversity on obesity among market women in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

Obesity and overweight are major public health threat affecting many people globally. This study aimed to examine the role of nutrition knowledge (NK), attitude, practices, and dietary diversity (DD) on the prevalence of obesity among market women in Cape Coast, Ghana. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Abura and Kotokuraba markets in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Apparently healthy female traders (n = 402) aged ≥18 years were selected randomly from the markets. DDwas assessed with dietary diversity score (DDS) using a 24hdietary recall method. NK, dietary practices, and attitudes were assessed using validated semistructured questionnaires. Body composition parameters were assessed using appropriate tools. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The prevalence of overweight was 31.84% and obesity was 39.30%. Majority of respondents had poor DDas about 91% had DDS <5. About 75% of the market women had no knowledge in nutrition. About 57% eat thrice daily and 82% take supper from 7 p.m. Knowledge in nutrition was significantly associated with body fat (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26-0.78, p = 0.004), body mass index (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.28-0.71, p = 0.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.19-0.56, p < 0.001). The prevalence of obesity and overweight was high among the market women. Poor NKand poor DDmay have influenced this. A campaign on better dietary practices and delivery of nutrition education may help to minimize the prevalence of obesity among market women.

British Food (In)security Policies in Colonial Nigeria and Popular Reactions in the Southwestern and Southeastern Provinces, 1939–45

Abstract: The effects of the Second World War on food insecurity in Africa have gained scholarly attention over the past few years; however, there have been no comprehensive attempts to provide historical evidence and analyze the experience of food insecurity in the colonial territories that later transformed into Southern Nigeria. This article fills this gap in research and argues that the demands of the British colonial government for food supplies, along with other policies geared toward agricultural regulation such as the Pullen Scheme, led to such inflation of food prices in urban centers that rural producers could not meet the demand for foodstuffs. The resulting food shortage triggered reactions from indigenous peoples, particularly market women in the southern and eastern provinces of colonial Nigeria. The article supports its arguments using a combination of sources from the Nigerian National Archives, newspaper reports, and peer-reviewed journals.

Assessment of breast cancer risk perception, knowledge, and breast self-examination practices among market women in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, particularly in low-medium-income countries (LMICs). Evidence shows that breast self-examination (BSE) is culturally acceptable, religiously friendly and inexpensive. This study assessed BC risk perception, knowledge and breast self-examination practices among market women in Ondo State, Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among market women in 3 selected markets in Owo. A semi-structured interview-based questionnaire was used to collect data. The instrument consisted of five sections based on the objective of the study. Selection of the study participants was done using a multistage sampling technique. The test–retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Participants knowledge and practices were categorised into good (≥ 50% total score) and poor (< 50% total score) while risk perception was grouped into high (≥ 50% total score) and low (< 50% total score).Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a p value < 0.05 for determining statistical significance.ResultsA total of 335 respondents completed the study and the mean age ± S.D. was 37.19 ± 9.19 years (range: 18–65 years). 47.5% of respondents were Christian while 60.0% of the respondents were married. 15.5% had tertiary education, and more than two-thirds were from the Yoruba tribe. More than two-thirds (78.5%) of the participants stated that they practiced breast self-examination, while 58.5% reported to have been taught how to perform BSE. 75.8% agreed that the use of injectable contraception or oral pills can result in BC, while 75.8% also agreed that women of reproductive age are at risk of BC. Less than 50% mentioned that they were uncomfortable taking off clothes in front of health professionals during the examination. The perceived risk of BC showed that 221 (65.97%), and 114 (34.03%) of respondents had high, and low levels of perceived risk of BC, respectively. However, 184 (54.93%) and 151 (45.07%) of the respondents had good and poor knowledge. The majority (139, 41.49%) of the respondents had poor BSE practice. Age (p = 0.023), educational qualifications (p < 0.001), average income per month (p < 0.001) and ethnicity (p = < 0.001) were statistically associated with knowledge of breast self-examination while religion (p = 0.02), marital status (p = 0.01), educational qualification (p = 0.001) and distance from facility (p = 0.009) were statistically associated with perceived risk of BC. Participants’ educational qualification (p = 0.006) and ethnicity (p = 0.013) were statistically associated with practice of BSE. Good knowledge was also identified as a significant predictor of good practice of participants among the women (95%CI: 4.574 (2.841–7.365), p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study identified high level of perception, good knowledge and good practice of BSE among majority of the market women in Owo Town. Interventions and extensive health education on BSE with the aim of creating positive awareness and understanding of BSE among the population should be encouraged.

THE SHAPING OF A GENDER NORM: MARRIAGE, LABOR, AND FOOT‐BINDING IN HISTORICAL CHINA

AbstractThis article presents a theory that explains the rise of foot‐binding in historical China, in response to a gender‐asymmetric social mobility shock that dispersed men's quality distribution in the marriage market. The theory characterizes the marriage market equilibrium and women's competition strategies before and after the shock. Empirical evidence using archival data corroborates the theoretical predictions that greater men's social mobility opportunities encouraged foot‐binding and that a greater cost of women's labor discouraged foot‐binding. The article thus highlights that costly gender norms can be traced back to gender asymmetry in social mobility opportunities.

Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana

ObjectiveLifestyle choices including physical inactivity, smoking, abuse of alcohol and drugs, unhealthy diet are common among traders and market women and these behavioural activities predispose individuals to ill-health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and chronic anaemia. We evaluated lifestyle choices such as alcohol intake, smoking and resorting to self-medication among traders in the Tamale Central market in Ghana. We then associated these lifestyle choices with anaemia.ResultsA total of 400 participants were recruited for this study. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels of participants were measured using Mission® Plus Hb meter and anaemia was diagnosed by Hb < 12 g/dl for non-pregnant females and Hb < 13 g/dl for males. Of the participants, a majority (69.3%) were males, and most of them (56.0%) were within 18–35 years age bracket. While alcohol intake and smoking were uncommon, self-medication was a common practice among the participants. Anaemia was a common condition; diagnosed in 44.5% of participants, but was independent of age, alcohol intake and smoking. However, anaemia was more common in females (χ2 = 15.9, p < 0.001) and was associated with self-medication (χ2 = 5.7, p = 0.017). We recommend that traders in the Tamale metropolis should seek routine health check-ups to help avert adverse health consequences associated with anaemia.

Gender wage differential in the labour market of Bhutan (2009-2022)

This study investigated striking gender wage differentials trend in Bhutan between 2009 and 2022. In order to decompose the gender wage differentials, we used household level micro-data of Labor Force Survey (LFS), which was conducted by then Ministry of Labor and Human Resources (MoLHR) and National Statistics Bureau (NSB). The methodology estimates the sources of gender wage differentials by segregating gender-specific factors and general wage structure factors. The explanatory variables like women’s labor market skills (education, work experience) and women’s choice into certain occupational and industrial groups; and treatment towards women employees by employers (i.e., discrimination) are categorized into gender-specific factors. Whereas, the sum of observed prices of labor market skills (education and work experience) and price of women’s segregation into certain occupational and industrial groups and unobserved prices were termed wage structure factors. The result shows that gap in education and women’s choice into low paying jobs increased gender wage differentials. However, increase in women’s work experience narrowed the gender wage differential. Therefore, the widening gender wage differentials resulted from gender-specific factors by huge margin. The findings from this study will help decision and policy makers in developing policies which helps narrowing education and skills gaps between men and women. In addition, it will also help in drafting policies which helps women in getting better paying jobs.