Women's Economic Empowerment Through Agricultural Value Chains: Investigating Women's Participation in Rice Value Chains in Nigeria

Abstract

Women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce in developing countries, yet their participation in agricultural value chains remains constrained by structural, cultural, and institutional barriers. This paper investigates women's participation in rice value chains spanning production, processing, and marketing and examines its effects on income generation, poverty reduction, and household welfare, with a particular focus on Nigeria. Through a comprehensive review of recent literature, the study identifies key constraints facing women in rice value chains and analyzes interventions designed to enhance their economic empowerment. The findings reveal that while women are actively involved in rice production and processing, they face significant challenges including limited access to land, credit, technology, and markets. However, targeted interventions and empowerment programs have demonstrated positive impacts on women's income, household food security, and overall welfare. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen women's participation in agricultural value chains as a pathway to sustainable economic empowerment and poverty reduction.