Gender Differences in Migrants’ Control over Productive Resources in Cocoa-Producing Communities of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Migration to cocoa-producing rural communities is often motivated by opportunities for employment, farming and improved livelihoods. However, migrants’ ability to benefit from such opportunities depends not only on their access to productive resources but also on their authority to make decisions concerning the use and management of those resources. This study examined gender differences in migrants’ control over land, labour and financial capital in cocoa-producing communities of Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed cross sectional survey research design. A multistage sampling procedure involving purposive and snowball techniques was used to select 220 migrants, comprising 113 males and 107 females. Quantitative data were collected through a structured interview schedule, while qualitative information was obtained through focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and an independent-samples t-test, whereas the qualitative data were thematically analysed with the aid of ATLAS Ti. The mean ages of male and female migrants were 44.6 ± 13.3 and 42.0 ± 13.3 years, respectively, while males had more years of formal education than females. Although 96.5% of males and 97.2% of females had access to land, males exercised greater control over land ownership, use and labour engagement. Conversely, females demonstrated relatively greater autonomy in some financial decisions, particularly the repayment and use of credit facilities and the management of remittances. The t-test revealed a significant gender difference in overall control over productive resources, with males recording a higher mean control score than females (t = 3.275, p = .001). The study concludes that access to productive resources does not necessarily translate into effective control, especially
for female migrants. Gender-responsive land administration, inclusive financial services, stronger migrant organisations and household-level interventions that promote equitable decision-making are therefore required to improve livelihood opportunities in cocoa-producing communities.