Understanding the complexities surrounding gender differences in agricultural productivity in Nigeria and Uganda

Abstract

We investigate gender differences in agricultural productivity in Nigeria and Uganda. Results indicate persistent lower productivity on female-owned plots and among female-headed households, accounting for a range of socio-economic variables, agricultural inputs and crop choices using multivariate tobit models. Results are robust to inclusion of household-level unobservables and alternative specifications that account for decisions to plant crops. However, productivity differences depend on aggregation of gender indicator, crop-specific samples, agro-ecological zone and biophysical characteristics. More nuanced gender data collection and analysis are encouraged to identify interventions that will increase productivity and program effectiveness for male and female farmers. © 2011 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.