Abstract:

The study analysed gender participation in fish farming and income development of rural women in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study was 3,280 registered fish farmers in the study area including men and women. Systematic random sampling technique was employed in selecting 357 respondents. Questionnaire was adopted for data collection. Data was analysed using charts, frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, t-test and simple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that there was significant difference in gender participation in fish farming. The study also revealed that the level of income development amongst rural women in the study area was low. The study further established that gender participation in fish farming has significant relationship with income development amongst rural women. Factors militating against fish farming amongst rural women were social norms and customs, inadequate loans access among others. Strategies for addressing factors militating against fish farming amongst rural women were identified as less gender inequality and deprivation in fish farming, collateral free loans for rural women participating in fish farming among others. The study concluded that creating equal opportunities for both men and women participation in fish farming will have great impact on income development of rural women. The study recommended that all stakeholders interested in gender equality should ensure that there should be less gender inequality and deprivation in fish farming in the study area.