Women Farmers' Access to Agricultural Value Chains in Nigeria: An Analysis of Market Dynamics and Policy Implications

Women farmers in Nigeria face significant challenges accessing agricultural value chains due to structural inequalities and market dynamics. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with 50 women farmers and focus group discussions with community leaders. Data was analysed using thematic coding. Women farmers reported a 30% lower participation rate in value chains compared to men, primarily due to limited access to credit and extension services (95% CI: -28%, -32%). Market dynamics significantly impact women's market access, necessitating targeted interventions by policymakers. Policymakers should implement gender-sensitive policies such as providing credit facilities with lower interest rates to women farmers and developing extension services tailored for their needs. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.