GENDER DIFFERENCE IN PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT

This study examined the gender difference in participation in community development in Edo state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, gender involvement in community development activities, extent of contact with extension workers and local leaders, factors that cause or encourage gender differences ,gender preference and constraints faced by gender difference among respondents. Data were collected through administration of questionnaires to respondents. A multi stage sampling procedure was adopted in selection of respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean and Chi-square. Results indicate that the respondents comprising of both male and female are predominantly active and within productive age. The males farmers access community development more than the female farmers and are more actively involved in community development than the females .The challenges discovered include inadequate training opportunities, inadequate fund and poor working conditions among others for men. Challenges faced by women include high cost of material, lack of technical know-how, inadequate fund among others. It was recommended that adequate funds should be made available to the communities, females accessibility to community development should be increased and trainings should be conducted regularly.