Rethinking gender disadvantage

Unpacking gendered constraints to the adoption of sustainable land management practices in southeast Nigeria

Bibliographic Data

ID11467375
AuthorsCynthia Nneka Olumba (0000-0002-0652-9824, Newcastle University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume164
Pages107872
Publication date2026-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLand Use Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0264-8377 • E-ISSN: 1873-5754
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107872
OpenAlexW7125501309
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited45

Sustainable Land Management Practices (SLMPs) are crucial for addressing land degradation, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing food security. Yet, adoption remains low due to a complex interplay of socio-economic and institutional constraints. While previous research has explored these constraints, there has been limited focus on how gender intersects with household structure to influence the likelihood of experiencing these barriers. This study addresses this gap by investigating whether and how constraints to SLMPs adoption differ between male and female farmers within male-headed households (MHHs) and female-headed households (FHHs). Data was collected from 480 farmers through structured surveys, complemented by qualitative insights from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Feminist and intersectionality theories underpinned the study’s theoretical framework. Logistic regression analyses revealed three key findings: (i) female farmers in FHHs have significantly higher odds (OR =2.185) of facing economic and financial constraints than those in MHHs; while within MHHs, male farmers are more likely than their female counterparts to experience these constraints (OR = 2.098); (ii) male farmers in MHHs have higher odds (OR = 2.402) of encountering constraints related to SLMPs characteristics than their female counterparts; and (iii) female farmers in FHHs are 62.3 % more likely to experience constraints related to land property rights than those in MHHs. These findings emphasise the unique vulnerabilities faced by female farmers in FHHs and challenge the common assumption that male farmers are always more advantaged in agricultural systems. The study’s insights underscore the need for nuanced, context-sensitive policies to effectively address these barriers and promote SLMPs adoption. • Gender and household structure intersect to shape SLMPs adoption barriers. • Female farmers in FHHs face unique vulnerabilities compared to those in MHHs. • Male farmers in MHHs also experience significant barriers to SLMPs adoption. • Findings challenge the assumption of universal male advantage in agriculture. • SLMPs policies should be context-sensitive and prioritise marginalised groups

Agriculture · Focus group · Food security · Intersectionality · Land tenure · Odds · Qualitative research · Unpacking · Agricultural Innovations and Practices · Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Development · Land Rights and Reforms

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