Gender Equity and Food Security - Lessons from Ozalla Community, Edo State, Nigeria.pdf

The paper focuses on the increasing need to consider gender equity as a key element of development, especially in terms of the status of men and women with particular emphasis to women’s contributions to society in terms of agricultural and food security. With over 80% of women in the rural areas engaging in agricultural activities, their role in food production cannot be emphasized. Unfortunately, they suffer severe discrimination in terms of access and ownership of Land culminating in ceaseless cases of quarrels, violence and enmity between siblings and family relations. This the paper blames on the patriarchal nature of the society and the subservient role of statutory law to customary law which reinforces discrimination and subjugation of women in their quest to guarantee food security.