Gender Disparity Among Cooperative Farmers in Accessing Agricultural Credits in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Women have been the focus of gender disparity and this has been widely referred to the disparity faced by women in the field of agriculture. Agricultural credit is imperative for sustainable agricultural development in any country of the world. In order to substantiate the assertion, this study evaluated the issues of gender disparity in farmers’ access to agricultural credit among cooperative societies in Anambra north zone of Anambra State. Specific objectives were to ascertain the quantum of credit obtained and repaid by female and male members; determine the effect of gender on the quantum of credit obtained and repaid; ascertain critical factors influencing access to credit by cooperative members; determine how gender contributed to credit repayment behaviour of cooperative members and examine perception of members on gender-related issues in credit operations. ANOVA and regression models were used to test hypotheses 1-5. Findings revealed that male members obtained more credit than female members, and female members repay more than their male counterparts. Gender was not a significant determinant of credit obtained and repaid by cooperative members and gender issues in credit operation were handled among cooperative members. However, the researcher recommended that the issues of gender inequality should not be encouraged. Both males and females should have equal access to credit and repayment of credit operation; despite the membership strength, more members should be encouraged to join cooperative societies in order to access credit and repay accordingly and cooperative officers should set up friendly credit scheme to ensure a functional and effective credit access.