GENDER DYNAMICS IN AGRICULTURAL LABOUR DIVISION IN RURAL BAYELSA STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
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The objective of this study is to examine the gendered division of labour in agricultural activities in rural Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and its impact on women empowerment. The study seeks to explore how gender roles, access to resources, and decision-making authority influence women's participation in agriculture. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative household surveys with 300 respondents and qualitative interviews with 40 women and 20 men involved in agriculture. Data were collected on labour roles, access to resources, income, and decision-making power, and analysed using both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings reveal a stark gender division in agricultural tasks, with women primarily engaged in planting and marketing, while men dominate land preparation and harvesting. Decision-making within households is predominantly controlled by men, limiting women’s
influence on key agricultural decisions. The study concludes that these gender dynamics negatively affect women’s access to resources such as land, credit, and agricultural extension services. The study recommends policy interventions aimed at improving women’s access to land, credit, education, and decision-making authority. Legal reforms are also suggested to address cultural norms that limit women
empowerment. These interventions are essential for promoting gender equity and sustainable agricultural development in rural Bayelsa State.
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