Rural women in food chain activities: A case of Ibo-speaking ethnic community of Delta State, Nigeria

This study examines the food chain processes in which women often participate. 480 respondents were randomly selected and used for the study which covered the local government areas in which the Ibo-speaking Delta (Aninma) people reside.Results of the survey indicate that most women in the area are literate. The farming activities mostly engaged in by the women are weeding, harvesting, marketing, planting and packing in that order.There is a dearth of adoption of improved agricultural technology among the women, with none utilizing tractor-hiring services, herbicides, harvesters and planters. The most important problems that hinder their level of participation in farming are the women’s regular involvement in various domestic affairs and poor financial resources.Encouragement of women in economic and educational activities by government and the extension services are suggested as a way of improving the level of participation of women in agricultural enterprises. Keywords: Rural women, Food chain activities