Volume 62, Issue 340, January - April 2026

Social and Cultural Peculiarities to Women Participation in Rice Value Chain in Enugu state, Nigeria

Okwor Uchechi M^♦, Amanze Alice N, Ikeh Angus O, Osuagwu Chizoma O

Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Nigeria

^♦Corresponding Author
Okwor Uchechi M, Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examined the social and cultural peculiarities to women participation in rice value chain in Enugu state, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty female rice value chain actors were selected for the study using multi-stage, purposive and random sampling technique. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data was analysed using frequency, percentage, participation index and factor analysis. Findings of the study indicated that more than half (64%) of respondents were married. The study observed that women were not involved in land preparation however, majority (74%) participated in planting. The participation index for milling (04), polishing (07), parboiling (01), and packaging (26) was low. Social factors that influence participation of women in rice value chain activities include limited access to credit/loans (0.621), literacy/level of education (0.457), physical strength (0.582), amongst others. Cultural factors that influence participation of women in rice value chain activities include land ownership (0.562), limited access to technology (0.490), mobility restrictions (0.528), amongst others. However, factors such as household chores, child care, marriage, financial constraints was high for both social and cultural factors. It is recommended that extension farm and home visits should be more frequent to keep women abreast with agricultural innovations.

Keywords: rice, value chain, women participation, social, cultural

Discovery, 2026, 62, e6d3227

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Published: 12 March 2026