This paper examined the performance of male and female farmers in rice farming in the Northern
Guinea Savannah of Nigeria, with a view to determining the parameters for promoting gender
equity in farmers’ access to opportunities for improved livelihoods from rice production. Data
were obtained from 624 farmers selected by stratified random technique from twelve villages in
Katsina and Kaduna States of Nigeria; using structured interview and focus group discussion.
The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model of double log form.
Results indicated that land, variable inputs, and experience were significant at 1 percent and 5
percent levels; implying that these variables would greatly influence productivity of rice for both
male and female farmers in the area; while age would influence rice production negatively,
implying that the older the rice farmers the less the vigour for farming. Also, the coefficient for
marital status of women was negative; implying that married women within reproductive age were
more likely to be constrained in their production by their multiple roles and cultural practices that
prevented women from direct field production activities. It was concluded that policies that would
enhance farmers access to land, fertilizers, improved seeds, herbicides and labour; coupled with
strategies for substituting women’s time on production activities for non-entrepreneurial activities
would likely enhance rice production and gender equity among rice farmers in the Northern
Guinea Savanna, Nigeria.