Does Collective Action Improve Gender Inclusiveness in Agrarian Change? Evidence from Cassava Based Smallholder Households in Nigeria

Abstract

Does collective action have an enhancing effect on gender inclusiveness in the agrarian change matrix? This was investigated among 800 cassava-based smallholder households in a cross-sectional survey in Nigeria. Agrarian change was viewed as a function of access to productive resources (land, other assets), processes (Value addition and Nonfarm employment) and outcomes (income) in the study areas. Findings revealed that collective action was able to improve access to resources (land and assets) needed to drive the processes of agrarian change among male and female farmers. The study recommends strengthening institutions for collective action to drive positive and inclusive agrarian changes.