Gender Roles in Urban Crop Production in Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study ascertained gender roles in urban crop production in Imo state, Nigeria. Data were collected with interview schedule from 60 respondents and analyzed using percentage and mean score. The results show that majority (60%) of the urban farmers were female with an average age of 40 years. Mixed cropping (80.4%) was the most practiced cropping system. Cassava (93.3%), maize (86.7%) and Telfaria (71.7%) were major food crops grown. Men (56.7%) and women (52.3%) were involved in finding and securing plots used for crop production. All family members (men, women, boys and girls) were engaged in fertilization and harvesting of crops. Women (65.5%) and girls (48.2%) were mostly involved in weeding and processing activities. Spraying of chemicals (herbicides/insecticides) was mostly done by men. Interventions to improve urban agriculture should be targeted towards different roles performed by each gender.