DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN THE APPEALS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Women play a vital role in agricultural production and rural livelihoods in Nigeria, yet their participation in empowerment programmes remains limited by socio-economic and cultural barriers. This study examined the determinants of women’s participation in the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Programme in Kano and Kaduna States. Specifically, the study sought to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of women beneficiaries; assess their level of participation in programme livelihood activities; identify factors influencing their participation, and examine the constraints limiting effective engagement. Using a quantitative research method approach involving a survey of 278 women beneficiaries, descriptive statistics and a Tobit regression model were employed to analyse the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that women were mostly young to middle-aged, married, moderately educated, and strongly connected through associations, which enhanced their inclusion in the programme. Participation in farming, trading, processing, livestock and artisan activities was high, with approximately 84–85% of women demonstrating moderate to full engagement. Tobit regression results of the factors influencing participation showed that marital status (β= 0.390), occupation (β=0.600), income-generating activities (β=0.580), association membership (β=0.620), years of residence (β=0.020), and urban exposure (β=0.080) significantly increased participation. However, constraints such as poor market access, limited extension contact, high input costs, cultural norms, inadequate training, and infrastructure deficits hindered full engagement. The study recommends strengthening cooperative structures, enhancing gender-sensitive extension services, and reducing structural barriers to foster inclusive women’s empowerment.