Impact of Agricultural Empowerment Programs on Women Agripreneurs in Upland Rice Production in Ayamelum, Anambra State, Nigeria

Women agripreneurs are pivotal to agricultural development and food security in Nigeria, yet they often face significant constraints that limit their productivity. This study assessed the effect of agricultural empowerment programs on women engaged in upland rice production in Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State. Primary data were collected from 90 respondents selected via a multi-stage sampling technique using structured questionnaires. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, a productivity model. The respondents had a mean age of 47.8 years, were predominantly married (85.56%), with an average household size of 6 persons, mean farm size of 2.1 hectares, and 22.8 years of farming experience. Key empowerment programs accessed included subsidized planting equipment (mean impact score=3.84) and agrochemical gifts (mean=3.80). Productivity increased markedly from 0.31 kg/₦ before empowerment to 1.44 kg/₦ after empowerment. Empowerment programs significantly boost the productivity of women agripreneurs. For sustained impact, it is recommended that such schemes be institutionalized, depoliticized, and supported with robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure accountability and longevity.