SOCIO ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION NEEDS OF WOMEN IN CROP PRODUCTION AGRIBUSINESS IN EDO STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PATNERSHIP

Abstract

This study examined the socio economic characteristics and crop production agribusiness needs of women in Edo State. Shanteau’s theory of expert competence was the theoretical frame work on which this study was hinged. The study utilized the descriptive survey research design.277 women were sampled from 914 registered women engaged in crop production agribusiness in Edo State using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique and applying the Yaro Yamane formula. A questionnaire with two four point scales served as the instrument for collecting data with reliability index of 0.87 using the cronbach alpha formula. Data collected was analyzed using frequency, percentages and the borich formula. The study found that most of the rural women involved in crop production agribusiness in Edo state are aged 40-49 years. The mean weighted discrepancy scores of the various tasks listed in crop production agribusiness showed the greatest agricultural education needs of the women to be sourcing of fund for their crop agribusiness enterprise, formulating of objectives for the enterprise and access to extension agents. The major barriers the women faced included inadequate capital, lack of storage facilities and inadequate transportation. It was therefore recommended that structures be put in place by policy makers to facilitate access to finance from financial institutions at low interest rates and even without collaterals for the women to be more effectively involved in crop production agribusiness in Edo state.