Effect of Gender Awareness on Improved Agricultural Practices of Groundnut Production in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the effect of gender awareness on improved agricultural practices on groundnut production in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of groundnut farmers; identify sources of information on improved practices of groundnut production to farmers, compared the level of gender awareness and adoption of improved practices, examining the effects of socioeconomic variables, and identifying constraints hindering the adoption of improved practices of groundnut production in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 118 respondents for the study. Data were obtained from a primary source with the aid of a well structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The adoption of improved groundnut practices was dominated by male (55%). The average age of the respondents was 38 years indicating that they were active and productive in groundnut production. The mean response for farming experience was 23.25% indicating that most of the farmers were into farming for about 23 years. Access to credit was generally low as 66% of the farmers had no access to credit facilities. The result further revealed high level of awareness (78%) of improved groundnut practices. The coefficient of determination (R) was 0.893 indicating that the variables tested accounted for 89.3% of the variation in the dependent variable while the remaining 11.7% to the error terms. The study concludes that constraints underscore the complexities faced by farmers in adopting improved practices and highlight the necessity for tailored interventions. It was recommended that a targeted strategy for disseminating information on improved practices on groundnut production should put in place to compliments the existing ones considering the identified sources such as agricultural extension services and online resources in the study area. Policies that foster gender inclusivity in agricultural practices, ensuring equal opportunities and participation should be implemented by the government and Non-Governmental Organizations, provision of financial support and access to credit facilities to farmers to overcome financial barriers hindering the adoption of improved practices should be provided by the Bank of Agriculture, Central Bank of Nigeria, Commercial Banks and other financial institutions.