Factors Influencing the Preference For Labour Saving Devices Among Rural Women In Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rural women are often saddled with drudgery-laden tasks and require succor by way of labour saving devices (LSDs). This study was carried out to investigate the level of awareness of LSDs, actual use of LSDs, factors influencing the preference for, and constraints limiting the use of LSDs, Multi-stage sampling was used to select three Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, 228 respondents and four drudgery-laden tasks (DLTS). 2 on-farm and 2 off-farm-relating to maize production. Primary data were generated using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, 5-point Likert type scale and Chi square statistics. The results showed that the mean age of the respondents was 36.5 years while average household size was 7.8 persons. Majority (91.7%) of the respondents knew about LSDs while only 48.5% used devices on a regular basis. Chi-square analysis showed that age, education and household size significantly influenced preference for LSDs; marital status and occupation did not (P<0.05). Constraints identified include high cost and unavailability of devices. Interventions are suggested with a view to better harnessing of LSDs and improving the livelihoods of rural womenfolk. Key words : Labour Saving Devices Rural Women DOI : 10.7176/DCS/9-8-07 Publication date : August 31st 2019