Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Odurukwe, S.N., Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Matthews-Njoku, E.C., Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ejiogu-Okereke, N., Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
This study analysed the impacts of the WIA programme on the lives of women in Imo State Nigeria, with the view of strengthening their subsistence agricultural production. Data were collected from 160 women from both urban and rural areas of the State. Data analysis was achieved using rankings, descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression models. The results of the findings show that packages as cassava processing into pancake, and cassava flour, processing and utilization of soybean into flour paste, and soy-meal, cocoyam processing into cocoyam flour, and processing of fresh tomatoes into tomato paste; which recorded high awareness values had low adoption rates. Transferred WIA technologies as cassava processing and utilization - into; odorless fufu, gari, and tapioca (93.16%); processing of maize, into corn meal, and pap (79.77%), processing and storage of fresh tomatoes into tomato paste (86.46%), and dry season vegetable gardening (66.38%) recorded high response from the women as being very relevant to their socioeconomic wellbeing. However, such technologies as cassava processing and utilization into pancake and cassava flour (83.27%), processing of maize into maize flour, and malted maize drink (75.08%) were reported as not relevant. Positive impacts of women adoption of WIA packages were most on the women than the men and the children. It ensured family food security and enhanced children's education and women financial and socioeconomic status. Primary occupation, annual income, household size and membership of women's group showed a positive and very significant relationship with the adoption of the WIA technologies by the women. Among the problems to effective achievement of set objectives is lack of access to land, non-coverage of agricultural production activities. It is recommended among others that the WIA programme should include women agricultural production needs in its programme of activities, in addition to increasing its' clientele coverage.