The Roles Played by Gender in the Production Activities of Rice Farmers in Abia State, Nigeria

The study evaluated roles played by gender in the production activities of rice farmers in Abia State, Nigeria, focusing on demographic characteristics. Data was collected from 204 respondents using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression models, and z-tests. Findings reveal that an average age for both men and women rice farmers was 37 years. Result further showed that the majority (38.7%) are aged between 26 – 30 years. 62.8% had secondary education, which might positively influence their ability to adopt modern farming techniques in rice production. Most respondents (58.8%) were married. According to the survey males has a percentage distribution of 55.9% while females had 44.1%. Most farmers engage in farming and trading (38.2%), majority (73.5%) cultivates between 1 – 3 hectares of land and farmers (77%) are full-time participants. The findings revealed the distinct roles of men and women in rice farming. Men dominate labor-intensive activities such as land preparation and pest control, while women are heavily involved in planting, weeding, and marketing. The hypothesis revealed that significant relationship between gender roles and engagement was significant at 5% level, women’s engagement in nurturing and marketing contrasts with men’s dominance in physical and technical tasks. The study recommends gender inclusive policies, improved access to farming resources, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance productivity and equity in rice farming. Addressing these issues can optimize productivity, promote economic growth, and ensure sustainable development for rice farmers in Abia State. Keywords: Agriculture, Rice production, Gender, Activities, Roles.