Crop appropriation, labour supply, and demand for farm inputs: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

Crop appropriation occurs when portions of a farmer's crops are taken by individuals to whom she has no contractual obligation. While it is a reality in rural areas across developing countries, its economics has barely received attention. This paper uses data from Nigerian women farmers whom local patriarchal norms have typically had as crop owners rather than landowners to explore the question of how crop appropriation might affect levels of engagement in agriculture. I find the phenomenon to induce less time farming, greater participation in off-farm employment, and lower demand for farm inputs.