Economic Assessment of Rural Women Participation in Processing and Marketing of Soybean in Tarka LGA of Benue State Nigeria

Ezihe, Jacqueline A.C.^1*, Agbugba, Ikechi K.², Iornum, Wuese¹

¹Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

²Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.2.1.06

Abstract:

The study was carried out in four markets namely: Wanune, Asukunya, Tiortyu and Gwarche markets from which 109 women processors and marketers were sampled. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit relevant information from the women. The first objective described the socio-economic characteristics of processors and marketers of soybean in the study area; the second identified the different forms of soybean product in the study area; the third determined the level of rural women participation in the processing and marketing of soybean product in the study area; and the fourth determined the profitability of processing and marketing of soybean products. The gross margin analysis for marketing of soybean gave a positive sign (₦1,583), an indication that soybean marketing is a profitable as well as lucrative business in the study area. The role of the women can be improved upon with better education through promotion o farmers/women cooperative and government strategies involving women. This study however recommends that government should facilitate he availability o credit facilities, inputs and infrastructural facilities and also revitalize and encourage ago-based industries so as to improve the efficiency in processing and marketing of soybean.

Keywords:

Rural Women, Participation, Processing, Marketing, Soybean, Benue State, Nigeria

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