Analysis of Gender Differentials in the Acquisition of Productive Assets among Smallholder Rice Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

This study analyzed gender differentials in the acquisition of productive assets among smallholder rice farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Utilizing a sample of 269 rice farmers selected through random sampling from six LGAs, data was gathered via structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests were employed to evaluate the types and values of productive assets acquired by male and female farmers. The findings reveal significant gender disparities in asset acquisition. Male farmers had higher total values in most asset categories, including agricultural credit, improved rice varieties, hired labor, and modern inputs such as NPK and UREA fertilizers. Specifically, males acquired agricultural credit worth ₦139,000,000 compared to ₦48,442,532 for females, and improved rice varieties worth ₦9,645,000 compared to ₦3,743,843 for females. The mean acquisition of productive assets for male farmers (₦9,463,804.59) significantly exceeded that for female farmers (₦1,811,698.27), highlighting substantial gender-based differences. An independent samples t-test confirmed these disparities, with a significant mean difference of ₦7,652,106.32 (p < .05). These disparities suggest that male farmers have greater access to and ownership of productive assets, potentially limiting female farmers' productivity and economic empowerment. The study recommended that female farmers in the Benue State should come together to form cooperatives so as to pool their resources together and acquire productive assets hitherto difficult to acquire among them as individual farmers; and policies and programs that promote asset ownership and decision-making by female farmers within the agricultural system should be implemented by the Benue State government.