Rural Women Participation in Nutrition and Agri-Entrepreneurial Development: Empirical Evidence from Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was designed to investigate rural women’s involvement in food and agriculture businesses in Yobe State, Nigeria. Specifically, the research identified key agricultural interventions involving women, the viability of agribusiness, and constraints faced by rural women in the study area. Descriptive statistics, household and financial analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for data analysis. The study found that the Fadama Develeopment Programme was the most frequently reported (29%) and most effective intervention. Agribusinesses run by women were not only viable but also profitable. It recorded an average gross margin ratio (GMR) and return on investment (ROI) of 0.67 and 1.40, respectively. However, the achievements have met critical challenges such as a lack of women’s inclusion, security threats in the region, cultural barriers, and a lack of awareness. To this end, the study recommends maintaining women’s inclusion from program and intervention design to implementation. In addition, the security architecture of the region should be improved through local whistleblowers and cooperation. Finally, counselors should train and build the capacity of the local community, especially the women’s group.