Gender and Access to Land: An Investigation of DiscriminatoryPractices in Delta State of Nigeria

Abstract

The scourge of gender discrimination with respect to land accessibility in developing countries has been 
very disturbing. It is far from being eliminated and has the potential of widening the socioeconomic gap 
between men and women, with women slipping further down the poverty valley. This study reports an 
empirical investigation of gender-based discriminatory practices affecting access to land and their 
consequences in Nigeria's south-south state of Delta. Apart from establishing the extent and prevalence of 
such practices in the area, the study also evaluated mitigating strategies and assessed their workability in 
Nigeria. Using a structured questionnaire administered on 323 respondents who were selected through 
cluster sampling techniques, the researchers found that customary laws, high levels of financial 
incapability and ineffective land laws were the most significant factors affecting women's access to land in 
the area. The worst affected groups were widows and divorced women. The study therefore recommends 
that policymakers should demonstrate strong political will and promote affirmative action by enacting 
appropriate and effective legislations. Where the need arises, they should also review existing laws and 
policies to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study concludes that 
implementation of laws that deal with gender inequality and women's access to land cannot be effective if 
there are no strong institutions.