Challenges And Constraints Affecting Female-Owned Rural Farm Businesses in Plateau State, Nigeria

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1 13
    By

    Monday Tsaku Umbugadu,

  • Abraham Meliga,

  1. Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Accounting, Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shandam, Plateau State, Nigeria
  2. Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Business Administration, Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shandam, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the challenges and constraints affecting female-owned rural farm businesses in Plateau State, Nigeria. No prior study had conducted a comprehensive, quantitative, state-wide investigation covering all 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, and this study addressed that gap. The objectives were to identify the challenges faced by female-owned rural farm businesses, assess their relationship with business performance, and determine how strongly these challenges predicted performance outcomes. The study was conducted across all 17 LGAs of Plateau State, with 510 respondents selected using simple random, purposive, and snowball sampling techniques. A quantitative research design was adopted using structured questionnaires administered in English and local languages where necessary. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses. Financial exclusion, high input costs, poor road infrastructure, post-harvest storage gaps, and limited access to extension services were identified as the most reported challenges. Pearson correlation confirmed a significant negative relationship between challenges and business performance (r = -0.280, p = 0.000), and regression analysis further confirmed that challenges negatively predicted performance (B = -0.291, p = 0.000), while socio-demographic characteristics positively moderated outcomes. It was recommended that gender-targeted lending, rural storage facilities, road rehabilitation, expanded extension services, and conflict recovery frameworks be prioritized to support female-owned rural farm businesses in Plateau State.

Keywords: Business performance, challenges, and constraints, female-owned businesses, rural agriculture, rural farm businesses

[This article belongs to International Journal of Rural and Regional Development ]

How to cite this article:
Monday Tsaku Umbugadu, Abraham Meliga. Challenges And Constraints Affecting Female-Owned Rural Farm Businesses in Plateau State, Nigeria. International Journal of Rural and Regional Development. 2026; 04(01):1-13.
How to cite this URL:
Monday Tsaku Umbugadu, Abraham Meliga. Challenges And Constraints Affecting Female-Owned Rural Farm Businesses in Plateau State, Nigeria. International Journal of Rural and Regional Development. 2026; 04(01):1-13. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijrrd/article=2026/view=240434


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 27/02/2026
Accepted 11/03/2026
Published 20/03/2026
Publication Time 21 Days
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