THE EFFECT OF WOMEN ACCESS TO LAND AND CREDIT ON FOOD PRODUCTION IN SABOBA DISTRICT OF NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the variables that influence women's access to land and credit, the influence of women access to credit and land on food production, and the issues women face in accessing credit and land in the Saboba District of the Northern Region. Ten com munities were selected, ten households from each community, and one female farmer from each household. In all, 100 women were selected for this study. The study used a bivariate probit to analyse the determinant of access to land and credit. The study revealed that age, farm output, household income and secure land rights influence access to land. Also, edu cational level, access to extension services, and tribe are strong determinants of access to credit. The study further revealed that the effects of women's access to land and credit are bad on food productivity with 93% (30% extremely bad, 23 bad, 20% somewhat bad and 20% very bad) indicating such. The study also shows that 65% of the women had challenges in accessing credit, while 35% said they didn’t have challenges. From the above findings, the study recommends some policy interventions: stakeholders in the agriculture sector, particularly in the district and region, should lobby for a formal agricultural credit organization to be established in districts or key communities in the dis trict. Chiefs and farm landlords improve access to land for women farmers in the District. The propose policy intervention when implemented will help to improved women access to land and credit, and improve women contribution on food production.