Challenges of Women in Urban Agriculture in Kwara State, Nigeria

Women play significant roles generally in urban agricultural production. In spite of their roles, women farmers are faced with myriads of challenges that affect their increased production in the urban areas. This study assessed the challenges of women farming in urban areas with reference to Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 1,801 women farmers were sampled from different urban areas in the state. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were organized for them in order to explore their minds on the challenges faced and opportunities available to them in urban agricultural production. The matrix ranking revealed lack of credit facilities as one of the most important challenges militating against increased production by women. Other challenges identified include restricted accessibility to land and lack of farm input among others. Appropriate recommendations were made that production resources should be made available especially for women farmers while women should also be part of decision making concerning agriculture.