Role of Men and Women in Agro-input Business in North West, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined the gender role in agro-inputs entrepreneurship in North West, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the agro-inputs dealers, assess the role of women in agro-inputs business; and identify the constraints of agro-inputs entrepreneurs. Data was obtained from forty eight (48) agro-inputs owners (24 wholesalers and retailers each) were purposively selected. The result revealed that the majority (62.5%) of the agro-inputs entrepreneurs had Senior Secondary School Education. Also, majority (81.3%) of agro-inputs business owners were men. Personal savings was indicated by majority (52%) as the source of fund for starting the business. On staff employed, majority (65%) men as against 35% women employees. The type of operations carried out by the male employees indicates loading/off-loading, driving, trainings of field workers and security guards while sales and records keeping are mostly done by women (53%). Major constraints to agro-inputs business were high taxation (45.1%) and difficulties in sourcing foreign exchange (21.9%). Agricultural policies aimed at encouraging more women participation in agro-inputs business and low taxation were recommended.