Study of Gender Mainstreaming in Agricultural Extension Services in Benue State

Agricultural extension services are critical conduits for technology transfer, market information, and input access to farmers, yet they frequently fail to reach female farmers equitably. This study evaluates the extent of gender mainstreaming in agricultural extension service delivery in Benue State, focusing on the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority's programmes in Gboko, Katsina-Ala, and Logo Local Government Areas. A descriptive survey was adopted, with 90 extension agents and 120 female farmers forming the respondent group. Structured questionnaires and direct observation of extension programme activities provided data, analysed using descriptive statistics and mean item scores. Findings indicate that female farmers receive extension visits at rates 43% lower than male farmers in the study area. Extension agent rosters are 78% male, reducing women's receptiveness in culturally conservative communities. Farm advisory content does not consistently account for women's specific crop mixes, labour constraints, or market access challenges. Gender-disaggregated performance data are absent from programme monitoring systems. Recommendations include deliberate recruitment of female extension agents, gender sensitisation training for all extension staff, and redesign of extension programme content to reflect female farmers' production realities. This study contributes to gender and agricultural policy literature in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: gender mainstreaming, agricultural extension, Benue State, female farmers, rural development