Access to microcredit is vital for agricultural productivity and enterprise growth, yet gender disparities remain. This study explores gender differences in loan access and size among 300 agro-entrepreneurs in Oyo, Ogun, and Osun States using multistage sampling. Results show 79.25% of women accessed loans versus 68.99% of men. A chi-square test confirmed a significant association (χ² = 19.91, p < 0.001). Women also received higher average loan amounts (₦201,719 vs. ₦193,496, p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed being female (OR = 3.59), educated (OR = 2.14), and in cooperatives (OR = 2.74) predicted access. OLS regression confirmed gender, education, landholding, and experience as key factors in loan size. The findings show that women, while more likely to access loans and receive larger amounts, benefit most through education and cooperative membership. The study recommends gender-responsive finance policies and financial literacy programs.
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