SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCESS TO LAND AMONG WOMEN ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN IKA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The factors influencing women’s access to land for arable crop production in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria was investigated. Purposive and random sampling procedures were used. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 120 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, probit model and regression model. Findings showed that the mean age and standard deviation of the respondents was 37±9.32 years and majority (80.8%) were literate. The mean household size and standard deviation was 6±2.16 persons. The mean years of farming experience and standard deviation was 7±3.22 years and majority (65.8%) were married. The mean farm size and standard deviation was 1.83±2.12ha. The mean distance and standard deviation was 6.4±2.43 km from resident to farm location. Majority (60.8%) acquired farm land through rent. The land acquisition pattern revealed that 67.5% obtained farm land through inheritance. The result of the probit regression model showed that price of land, local customs, income of farmers, farming experience, private land tenure, communal land tenure and access to credit were the major determinants of women access to land at p<0.01 and p<0.05 alpha level. While the correlation analysis showed that significant relationship exist between output and land acquisition by rent, inheritance and borrowing at p<0.01. The Chi-square test showed significant relationship between land acquisition by rent, communal, inheritance, borrowing and output. The result had showed that access to land by women is a serious problem which needs urgent attention.