AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE MARKETING AND GENDER EMPOWERMENT: A CASE OF WOMEN’S CROSS BORDER TRADE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

The study examined agricultural produce marketing in relation to gender empowerment in cross border along Nigeria-Niger border with the aim of identifying the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identifying characteristics of respondents’ cross border trade and the constraints faced by the respondents. One hundred respondents were selected with the use of systematic random technique. Primary data were collected from the respondents with the aid of interview guide structured in form of questionnaire and focus group discussion with other stakeholders like custom officials, as well as agriculture quarantine officers was performed. Univariate analysis like percentages, tables and pie charts and 3 point Likert scale were used to achieve the stated objectives. The study revealed that the respondents averagely made between N10,000 to N40,000 on monthly basis which helped in meeting family needs. About 78% indicated that one of their constraints was absence of modern financial institutions, inadequate storage facilities and about 82% signified that their major constraint was poor transport system while all affirmed that they experienced inadequate security among others. The study recommended that adequate security, global mass media facilities and adequate storage facilities should be provided to promote cross border trade.