GENDER INFLUENCE ON THE INCOME OF MAIZE FARMERS IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of gender on the farm income of maize farmers in the study area. Primary data obtained using structured questionnaire were employed in the study and the data were collected from a sample size of 100 maize farmers comprising of 70 males and 30 females. The key finding of the study is that gender was significant at 1% probability level and had a positive influence on income of the maize farmers and this was attributed to the disparity in the access to production resources and supportive services by the male and female maize farmers with men having more favourable access to production resources especially land and other supportive services than women. Based on this finding, it is recommended that gender inequality in the distribution of resources, information and other farm inputs should be minimized so as to ensure that women have access to resources for production just as men do thereby enhancing their productivity and income.