Gender Differences in Production Efficiency and Food Security among Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State

Authors

  • Kelechi Henry Anyiam Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Kelechi Chima Igwe Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria
  • Cynthia Onyinyechi Obinna- Nwandikom Department of Agribusiness, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Taofeeq Ade Amusa Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria
  • Okoronkwo Christopher Enoch Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Ime Godswill Isaiah Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Akanele Chori Obasi Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Frank Nna Okoro Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria
  • Obumneke Emmanuel Mbakaogu Department of Agribusiness, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Chinwe Nnene Obichere Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Onyinyechi Innocentia Adjaero Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel Iyke Nnorom Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Ujunwa Miriam Olumba Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62328

Keywords:

Agricultural extension, Food security, Gender analysis, Production efficiency, Rice farmers, Technology adoption

Abstract

The study examined gender, production efficiency, and food security among smallholder upland and swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between January and December 2025. The study determined technical, allocative, and economic efficiencies by gender, assessed food security status, and identified technology gaps and inadequacies. A multi stage sampling procedure selected 180 farmers comprising 72 upland and 108 swamp rice farmers. Data were analyzed using Data Envelopment Analysis, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index, Technology Gap Ratio, and Technology Inadequacy Ratio. The results showed low technical and economic efficiencies across production systems. Mean technical efficiency under constant returns to scale was 0.337 for upland farmers, 0.616 for male swamp farmers, and 0.532 for female swamp farmers. Economic efficiency was highest among female upland farmers (0.307) and lowest among female swamp farmers (0.133). Food insecurity was most severe among male swamp farmers, with headcount ratio, depth, and severity indices of 0.852, 0.382, and 0.180, respectively. Female swamp farmers recorded the highest technology gap ratio (91.09%). The study concluded that gender disparities and technology inadequacies significantly influenced production efficiency and food security among rice farmers in Ebonyi State. 

 

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Published

2026-06-24

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 3 (2026): Indian Journal of Extension Education(Jul–Sep)

Section

Research Article

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How to Cite

Gender Differences in Production Efficiency and Food Security among Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State (K. H. Anyiam, K. C. Igwe, C. O. O.-. Nwandikom, T. A. Amusa, O. C. Enoch, I. G. Isaiah, A. C. Obasi, F. N. Okoro, O. E. Mbakaogu, C. N. Obichere, O. I. Adjaero, E. I. Nnorom, & U. M. Olumba, Trans.). (2026). Indian Journal of Extension Education, 62(3), 187-195. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62328