Gender Norms and Agro-Pastoral Women’s Participation in Economic Activities in North-Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

For the promotion of women's empowerment, there is a need to explore effective and efficient time management among marginalised rural women agriculturalists. This study investigates the relationship between gender attitudes and time management among agro-pastoralists in North-eastern Nigeria. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the analysis of the data, which included a household survey of 3041 participants and 30 key informants. Data were analysed using SPSS 23, and the study area map was produced by ArcGIS 10 software. Descriptive and multiple regressions (simple and stepwise) were used for data analysis. The findings reveal significant gender differences in time management, with women assuming a greater share of household and childcare responsibilities. Women's and men's attitudes toward time management are affected by patriarchal norms and societal beliefs. The study shows that above 80% of the population is primarily engaged in full-time agriculture and livestock production. The findings revealed mixed farming practices among the agro-pastoralists, with their participation in crop farming (62%), livestock (73%), and non-farm (51%) activities. The regression results indicate that nine variables significantly influence time management, with a statistical significance level of 72%. Most gender differences in time management are marked by the involvement of most women in domestic and household responsibilities/tasks rather than income-generating activities. Women spend longer hours working daily and fewer leisure hours (3 hours). There is a need to encourage attitudinal change at the community level regarding gender roles and responsibilities, implement gender equality policies and effective time management, which affords more time for incomegenerating tasks for females in this sector of the economy.