Gender Differences In Technology Adoption And Welfare Impact Among Nigerian Farming Households

This study examined gender differences in cassava production technology adoption and the impact on poverty status of farming households in southwest, Nigeria. The data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Propensity Score Matching, descriptive statistics and Foster-Greer-Thorbecke weighted poverty index. Out of the 482 households, 387 with similar characteristics were used in the analysis. Adoption level was 26% higher among male adopters than their female counterparts. Adoption was significantly influenced by gender, participation in off-farm activities, distance to market, land area cultivated, years of farming experience, access to credit, cassava yield and level of education. The impact of the improved technology on the headcount index of the male (12.57%) was higher than female adopters (5.62%). This suggests that cassava improved production technology is poverty reducing, however, gender sensitivity should be incorporated into technology adoption and enabling environment should be provided to enhance participation of women.