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Women engagement in agriculture and human capital development in developing countries: An African sub-regional analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Oluwatoyin Matthew
  • Romanus Osabohien
  • Kanwal Hammad Lakhani
  • Busayo Aderounmu
  • Nneka E Osadolor
  • Oluwasogo Adediran
  • Oladotun Mabinuori
  • Amechi E Igharo

Abstract

Considering the relevant role played by women in agriculture in Africa, this study sets out to examine how women’s engagement in agriculture contributes to human capital development in selected African countries. The study engagedpanel data of selected 33 African countries spanning the period of 2000 to 2019. The study applied the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (POLS) and the fixed effects based on the Hausman specification. Findings show that engagement of women in agriculture, though significant, but negatively related to human capital development in Africa. The implication of this is that an increase in women’s engagement in agriculture without the required level of education and training and access to agricultural resources may have a negative impact on human capital development. Therefore, the study recommended that it is necessary to train women in terms of agricultural skills needed to improve human capital development in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Oluwatoyin Matthew & Romanus Osabohien & Kanwal Hammad Lakhani & Busayo Aderounmu & Nneka E Osadolor & Oluwasogo Adediran & Oladotun Mabinuori & Amechi E Igharo, 2022. "Women engagement in agriculture and human capital development in developing countries: An African sub-regional analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(12), pages 1-12, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0277519
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277519
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abena Yeboah Abraham & Fidelia Nana Akom Ohemeng & Williams Ohemeng, 2017. "Female labour force participation: evidence from Ghana," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 44(11), pages 1489-1505, November.
    2. Akter, Sonia & Rutsaert, Pieter & Luis, Joyce & Htwe, Nyo Me & San, Su Su & Raharjo, Budi & Pustika, Arlyna, 2017. "Women’s empowerment and gender equity in agriculture: A different perspective from Southeast Asia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 270-279.
    3. Abiodun Elijah Obayelu & Agatha Osivweneta Ogbe & Sarah E. Edewor, 2019. "Gender gaps and female labour participation in agriculture in Nigeria," African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 11(2), pages 285-300, September.
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