Analysis of Off-Farm Income Generating Skill Needs...

Analysis of Off-Farm Income Generating Skill Needs of Rural Women for Poverty Reduction in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the off-farm income generating skills needs of rural women for poverty reduction in Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to examine: the relationship between hairdressing skills and poverty reduction among rural women, relationship between fashion design skills, catering skills and craft making skills and poverty reduction among rural women. The study analyzed four null hypotheses. The population of the study comprised 2,892 rural women, while the sample consisted of 390 respondents, selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire, administered by the researchers. Data analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results of analysis revealed a significant relationship between hairdressing skills (0.614), fashion design skills (r = 0.62), catering skills (r = 0.742) and craft making skills (r = 0.671) and poverty reduction among rural women in Cross River State. The study found that all these skills contribute to the reduction of poverty among rural women. The study concluded that off-farm income generating skills are very critical to poverty reduction interventions and rural women should be encouraged to participate in initiatives for the acquisition of these skills. It was recommended that government should partner with the organized private sector to establish vocational skills acquisition facilities in rural areas, provide incentives in the form of grants or credit facilities to enable rural women establish and manage their own businesses, and provide sewing machines, hairdressing equipment and power sources to rural women who have the requisite skills.

Introduction

Contemporary gender debates have focused largely on women marginalization, domination and cultural stereotypes that underpin the status of women in society. Feminists’ advocacies are becoming increasingly confrontational in advancing the quest to dismantle perceived patriarchal tendencies that prescribe standards for social relationships and economic well-being (Eremi & Aya, 2014). Women liberation and global calls for political inclusion are rapidly becoming the cardinal goal of feminist movements, encouraging the international community to show more commitment to addressing issues affecting women and girls around the world. The emphasis on the economic, political and cultural emancipation of women has sometimes overlooked the underlying issues that sustain women’s economic and social challenges (Eremi & Ebe, 2018). Gender-based inequalities continue to shape public discourse, while religious and political rhetoric often explain unequal access to economic opportunities and production resources. Balancing gender inequality remains a significant societal challenge. Policy narratives often highlight women’s vulnerabilities while simultaneously failing to provide meaningful solutions. Poverty, particularly among rural women, is pervasive. Women constitute more than 60% of the agricultural labour force and produce over 70% of food consumed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This underscores the importance of equipping them with multi-sectoral skills to support farm-based income. Women’s economic empowerment is widely seen as a key tool for social and political liberation. Women face numerous economic, social and cultural challenges, and addressing these requires improved access to resources, financial autonomy and enhanced social status. Increasing women’s participation in income-generating activities can help rebalance gender power structures and create more inclusive economic systems.