Gender Disparities in Land Ownership and Their Effects on Cassava Productivity: Evidence from Enugu State, Nigeria

In Sub-Saharan Africa, gender disparities in land ownership persist as a critical barrier to agricultural productivity and inclusive development. In Nigeria, where cassava serves as both a staple food and an income source, these disparities remain under-examined at subnational levels. This study investigates the extent and effect of gender-based land inequality on cassava productivity in Enugu State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 120 cassava farmers (60 males and 60 females) across three LGAs. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The findings revealed that 83.3% of female respondents do not own land, compared to 35.0% of males. Regression analysis showed that land ownership (β = 0.050, p < 0.01) positively influenced cassava output among women, while land disputes (β = –1.207, p < 0.01) and lack of equal rights (β = –0.234, p < 0.05) negatively affected their productivity. For male farmers, the number of agricultural lands owned (β = 0.381, p < 0.05) was the most significant positive determinant. The model explained 46.5% and 34.8% of the variation in cassava output for females and males, respectively. The study confirms that secure land tenure significantly improves cassava productivity, particularly for women. Cultural norms, inheritance practices, and limited legal awareness were the most cited constraints to land access. Bridging gender gaps in land rights through policy reform, community sensitisation, and legal empowerment is essential for enhancing agricultural performance and gender equity.