[01] Opaluwa H. I., Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria. [02] Mohammed I. A., Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria. [03] Alih J. A., Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.

This study focused on the analysis of gender differences in resource utilization: empirical evidence from cowpea farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria, using Dekina Local Government as a case study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 80 male and 80 female cowpea farmers with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Cobb-Douglas production function, marginal analysis and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results showed that 86% and 95% of variations in cowpea output were explained by the independent variables for male and female farmers respectively. The major factors affecting cowpea output by male farmers were labour and herbicide while farm size, labour, herbicide and pesticide significantly affect the output of the female farmers. The result of the marginal analysis revealed that all the resources used in the study were under-utilized by male farmers while land, seed, herbicide and pesticide were over-utilized by female farmers. Labour was found to be under-utilized by female cowpea farmers. The outcome of the study further showed that the problems of pests and diseases, inadequate capital, and inadequate extension services where common to both male and female farmers. However, inadequate transportation facilities were peculiar to male farmers while female cowpea farmers experienced difficulty in land acquisition. This study advocates for gender equality in the access to and use of productive resources by conscious efforts of government, non-governmental organization, community based organization and women themselves.

Cowpea, Cobb-Douglas, Gender, Efficiency, Marginal Analysis, Resources

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