Abstract

While many studies related to poverty and livelihoods of rural women have been carried out, very few have singled out women in riverine areas. The study examined the status of rural women in these areas of Ondo State using a case study approach. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 50 women from 6 villages of the Ilaje Ilumeje Community. Data were collected through personal observations and the use of a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and econometric tools. The results showed that the level of education is low, over 50% of the women live in poverty and most of them spend over 9 h in one farm or household activity. The efficiency analysis shows that family labor and capital resources are being under-utilized and should be increased. The results also imply a need for a more detailed study of women in these environments. The study recommends that the degree of vulnerability is high and as such consumption and production aids be designed specifically for them.

Key words: Poverty, time use, women efficiency, productivity.