Gendered access to e-logistics platforms in urban agriculture: micro-level evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Nigeria presents challenges to urban agriculture, particularly in market access and transportation, which are further shaped by gendered barriers to digital technology use. This study explores how gender influences access to e-logistics platforms and the resulting impact on farm sales in Southwest Nigeria. Drawing on a survey of 420 urban farming households, our findings reveal significant gender gaps: male-headed households are more likely to use e-logistics and benefit from them than female-headed households. Key factors influencing access include digital literacy, mobile phone ownership, farm size, and market proximity, while women face additional constraints such as limited credit and mobility. E-logistics platforms improved farm sales overall, with greater relative benefits for poorer farmers, though gains for women remained smaller than for men. These results highlight the transformative potential of e-logistics in improving market efficiency and reducing inequality, while underscoring the need for gender-sensitive training, improved credit access, and inclusive platform design to ensure equitable benefits.