Women’s access to agricultural inputs under gender-inclusive climate policies in Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods in Nigeria, with women farmers facing disproportionate challenges due to unequal access to productive resources and limited inclusion in climate adaptation initiatives. This study examined the relationship between gender inclusive climate policies and women’s access to agricultural inputs for sustainable agricultural adaptation in Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of gender inclusive climate policies on access to improved seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, and farm facilities, while also examining institutional and gender related barriers affecting agricultural input accessibility and sustainable adaptation outcomes. A cross sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 720 respondents comprising 600 women farmers, 72 agricultural extension agents, and 48 officials from agriculture and climate related institutions selected across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, hierarchical regression, analysis of variance, and structural equation modelling. Measurement model assessment confirmed satisfactory reliability and validity of the study constructs (CR = 0.874–0.912; AVE = 0.548–0.633), while discriminant validity was established using the Fornell Larcker criterion and Heterotrait–Monotrait Ratio assessment. The results revealed that gender inclusive climate policies were significantly associated with improved access to agricultural inputs among women farmers, including improved seeds (β = 0.421, SE = 0.061, CR = 6.882, p < 0.001), fertilizers and pesticides (β = 0.387, SE = 0.065, CR = 5.971, p = 0.001), and farm facilities (β = 0.344, SE = 0.071, CR = 4.883, p = 0.013). Institutional and gender related barriers were significantly associated with lower levels of agricultural input access (β = −0.412, SE = 0.067, CR = − 6.114, p < 0.001), while agricultural input access was significantly associated with sustainable agricultural adaptation (β = 0.463, SE = 0.066, CR = 7.004, p < 0.001). Significant regional differences were also observed across the six geopolitical zones, with women farmers in southern Nigeria generally reporting higher levels of agricultural input access than their counterparts in northern Nigeria.The study concludes that gender inclusive climate policies are strongly associated with improved agricultural input accessibility and sustainable agricultural adaptation among women farmers in Nigeria. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening gender responsive climate governance, climate finance, extension support systems, and institutional inclusion mechanisms to enhance climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.