Comparative Analysis of Expenditures of Male-Headed and Female-Headed Cassava-Based Farm Households in Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed expenditures of male-headed and female-headed cassava-based farm households in Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: describe socio-economic characteristics of male-headed and female-headed cassava-based farm households in the study area; analyze budget share and expenditure elasticity in male-headed and female-headed cassava based farm households and analyze determinants of expenditure in male-headed and female-headed cassava-based farm households’ in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selection of 70 male-headed and 70 female-headed cassava-based farm households, from whom data were elicited using structured and pre-tested questionnaire that was self-administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budget shares and expenditure elasticity analysis and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression model, The budget shares and expenditure elasticity analysis revealed that Marginal Budget Share (MBS) was higher than the Average Budget Share (ABS) in expenditure items of shelter, health, clothing, education and utilities in male-headed cassava farm households. Similarly, the MBS was higher than the ABS for some expenditure items (shelter, health, education and utilities) in female-headed farm households. The result of OLS multiple regression estimation revealed that expenditures in male-headed cassava farm households were influenced by age, level of education attainment, household size and income. While, expenditures in female-headed cassava farm households were influenced by farm size, age, educational level and access to credit. Special recognition should be made in providing for clothing expenditure in both male-headed and female-headed households to alleviate poverty and improve the living standard of women in farm households.

Keywords: Expenditure, Male-headed households, female-headed households, Cassava, Farmers