Banana cultivation is economically significant in most tropical countries of Africa including Nigeria. However, inherent gender disparities, rooted in socio-cultural norms affect opportunities along the value chain, with implications for mitigating Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD). A mixed-method research approach including problem tree analysis and focus group discussions (FGD) was employed to gather data from 124 farmers in BBTD-affected areas. The result revealed that Gender roles in banana and plantain farming are distinct. Men are primarily responsible for physically demanding tasks like clearing and harvesting, owing to their greater access to and ownership of land through communal tenure systems. Women's roles predominantly involve sorting, grading, and marketing produce. Decision-making authority regarding disease management mainly rests with adult males. However, to some extent, women could prevent the removal of diseased plants when envisaging production of bunches for sale. For successful BBTD intervention, it is crucial to identify key gender-specific roles and implement gender-responsive strategies in affected communities. These strategies should empower women in decision-making and resource access while acknowledging their contributions. Thus, inclusive economic opportunities can be achieved by recognizing and addressing these gender disparities in banana and plantain cultivation, ensuring that both men and women contribute to successful disease mitigation and sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords: Banana, BBTV, FGD, Gender, Pentalonia nigronervosa, Plantain.