International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Gender Assessment of Watermelon Production among Farmers in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State
Stella O. ODEBODE, Oluwaseyi S. ABODERIN, Olayinka O. ABODERIN

Abstract
The study conducted gender assessment of watermelon production among farmers in Ibarapa area of Oyo state. One hundred and thirty-two respondents were randomly selected. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential. The result revealed that 66.4% of the respondents were males, 70% were educated, 69.5% were married and 88.3% fell between ages 30-50 years, 46.9 percent had 6-10 years of experience. 93% male were involved in weeding than their female counterparts. However, more female (81.3%) were involved in carting of watermelon from the farm than males. But accessing credit is a major constraint that limits the production of both male and female (mean = 1.9, 1.8) while radio ranks first amongst the sources of information utilised by both male and female (mean = 1.36, 1.30), water melon farmers. The t-test analysis reveals significant difference between the roles performed by male and female farmers in watermelon production. (t= 7.578, p = 0.000), and between income generated from watermelon by both male and female farmers. (t = 4.448, p = 0.028). Conclusively males are more involved in watermelon production and the tedious activities while females are more involved in harvesting and marketing. It is recommended that the provision of improved technology, low interest rate loans will encourage both men and women’s involvement.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v6n1a9