The Influence of Fadama Activities on Women Empowerment in Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the influence of Fadama activities on women empowerment in the Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained purposively with the use of 240 structured questionnaires in a survey of 24 Fadama Users Groups (FUGs) whose representatives constitute 6 Fadama Communities Associations (FCAs) in the study area. Secondary data were, on the other hand, obtained from existing literature. Data were analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that 58.8 percent (mostly women) were into agro-processing, 25.4 percent into farming, 12.5 percent into poultry, and 2.9 percent were into fish farming. The results further show that only 16.25 percent of the respondents received an average monthly income of N29.000-N39.000, 4.16 percent received above N40.000 before the commencement of the program. After the program, 45.00 percent now earned an income of N29.000-N39. 000 while 42.08 percent earned above N40. 000. The result of the factor analysis reveals that the total variance explained by each component extracted made up to 69.61 percent of the total variance, with variable one gender explaining 31.34 percent. The findings from the study revealed that the Fadama program in Ede North Local Government increased the participation and income of rural women farmers in agricultural production, which has helped in reducing the problem of gender discrimination.  This trend, we assume, could reduce poverty and advance the success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).