GENDER ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON POULTRY FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the financial inclusion services on male and female poultry farmers in Delta State in Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of poultry farmers, assessed the level of financial inclusion among poultry farmers, and analyzed the determinants influencing financial inclusion among the poultry farmers. Data were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire from a total of 185 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate regression and t-test. The result showed that bank account ownership, Mobile banking, Access to Credit Loan, Credit Approval, Debit Card Ownership, Access to Insurance, Savings, Financial Literacy Training showed significant disparities between the male and the female’s gender. The levels of financial inclusion showed a significant difference as males tend to have higher levels of financial inclusion than females. Also, he null hypotheses involving gender and financial inclusion levels was rejected as the result showed a p-value of .000 (p < .001), indicating a significant association between gender and financial inclusion levels. The multivariate result revealed that Cooperative Membership was the strongest positive predictor across all three financial metrics. Gender and Financial Literacy also had significant effect on access to credit and mobile banking app usage respectively. Common constraints included high interest rates, complex loan processes, and financial illiteracy. The study therefore recommends that supporting farmers in improving their income through access to better markets, training, and technology can lead to higher financial inclusion. Additionally, financial institutions should design income-based financial products that cater to male and female poultry farmers.