Gender differentials of participation in political activities among farming households in Oke-Ogun region of Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated gender differentials of participating in political activities among farming households in Oke - Ogun region of Oyo state. In all, a total of 135 farming households were sampled, with 54 female-headed households and 81 male-headed households sampled using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data was analysed using percentages, mean, correlational analysis and t-test at 5% level of significance. There was marginal difference in the prominent political activities participated in by both male and female respondents, these activities were voting during elections (= 1.37, = 0.90), registering under a political party (= 0.73, = 0.55), sponsoring and supporting candidates (= 0.58, = 0.55). The male respondents identified engagement of community members in politics (= 1.89) and the ability to serve as pressure groups (= 1.43), while the female respondents identified that the present system accommodates female engagement in governance at local, state and/or national level (= 2.36) as factors motivating participation in political activities. There was favourable perception of politics by male (74.1%) and female (59.3%) gender. Inverse relationship (r= -0.216, p=0.014) was established between limitations to participation in political activities for the female respondents. Significant difference (t= 21.784, p= 0.000) was established in participation in political activities across gender. In view of the foregoing, the study recommends gender peculiarity in the design of political activities in a bid to accommodate and enhance gender participation.